A decade into the training caper and the Newcastle based Kris Lees hasn’t had a better start to a season.
“There may have been better quality horses, winning better races, but no I don’t think I’ve had a better start,” the multiple group 1 winner said on Tuesday.
Lees, whose stable grounding was spent under his late father Max, who passed away in 2003, has already trained 70 winners for the latest racing season which is reaching the half-way mark.
There were winners at Kembla Grange and Cessnock last Saturday while Fine Bubbles is out to add to the tally in a three-year-old 1350m event at Wyong on Wednesday.
“She has been very consistent this preparation,” Lees said.
“We’ve found a small but competitive little race but I’m confident she’ll handle herself well.
“She will appreciate the jump back to 1350m.”
After a first-up win at Scone Fine Bubbles was runner-up at Rosehill before finishing second behind Song And Laughter at Canterbury last time out.
“She was a little slow into stride and finished up a length or two further back than expected,” Lees said.
“She did get a run through and looked the winner before being edged out on the line.”
Lees returned home from a Magic Millions Sales happy to have Fine Bubbles in the team of horses purchased at the Gold Coast.
“She was a nice neat sought of filly like her mother Pekalan,” Lees said.
“The mare was a handy type, she won a Belle Of The Turf at Gosford for trainer Albert Stapleford.
“I do believe next preparation she will be at her best, this is all a bonus.
“This is her fourth run and she has shown no signs of going over the top.
“She has drawn well in barrier three tomorrow and jockey Christian Reith is in winning form.
“There is plenty to like about Fine Bubbles.”
At Warwick Farm on Saturday Lees has form galloper Gold Epona down as a certain starter.
“She is racing in good form and has put two wins together,” Lees said.
“The tip is rain is coming which will enhance her chances. She was strong in the heavy ground the other day.”
In Saturday’s Southern Cross Stakes Lees has nominated Uate and the rejuvenated Whitlam.
“We’ll keep a watch on the weather,” Lees said. “I’m not sure which one I’ll be running, it depends on the track, if it is wet or dry.”
By Craig Young
