Tactical advantage at Doomben

A big week could become even bigger for Newcastle trainer Kris Lees at Doomben today.

Lees was humbled to join his father, the late Max Lees, as an inductee into the Newcastle Jockey Club’s Hall Of Fame this week.

Lees, who is second to Chris Waller in the NSW trainers’ premiership, is hoping to join his father as the trainer of a Group 1 Doomben 10,000 winner with Tactical Advantage, reports Racing.com.

Max Lees trained Flitter to win the Doomben 10,000 in 1994. “It was a real honour to be inducted into the Newcastle club’s Hall Of Fame alongside Dad,” Lees said.

Max Lees won 20 Group 1s during his career and his son is only five wins back with 15 victories at the highest level.

As well as Tactical Advantage, who is an $18 chance in the Doomben

10,000, Lees is confident Gem Song can claim the Listed Members’ Handicap (1600m).

Lees has ruled out Gem Song heading to the G1 Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm next month despite his commanding win in the G3 Gunsynd Classic (1600m) at Eagle Farm.

“I couldn’t be happier with Gem Song but he won’t be going on to the Derby,” Lees said. “If he wins or runs well on Saturday, he’ll back-up in the Doomben Cup, which will be his last run for the winter.

“I’ve never backed him up before so it’s a bit of a gamble.”

Lees went close to equalling his father’s Doomben 10,000 feat when Le Romain finished third to English last year.

● Cambridge trainer Tony Pike has had to farewell two talented gallopers in the last week.

Exciting two-year-old Subpoena has crossed the Tasman after a sale was finalised following her impressive debut victory at Te Rapa last month. “Subpoena has been sold to clients of Chris Waller’s,” Pike said. “She headed to Sydney on Monday.”

Meanwhile, Group One performer Surely Sacred has been sold to Hong Kong interests after a pleasing Classic season, which included victories in the Gr.2 Auckland Guineas and Gr.2 Avondale Guineas.