Lees Filly Must Produce Under Pressure

Newcastle Herald

Saturday April 26, 2008

By GEOFF WILSON

TRAINER Kris Lees is certain the moment of truth will come for Samantha Miss when jockey Hugh Bowman "let's her head go" on a bog track in today's Sires' Produce Stakes (1400 metres) at Randwick.

The Redoute's Choice filly can justify her mammoth $1.5 million price tag by winning today's group 1 two-year-old feature.

But she must overcome Golden Slipper winner Sebring and runner-up Von Costa De Hero and a track at Randwick that could be bottomless if the rain continues.

Lees was quick to admit he was not sure if Samantha Miss would cope with the wet conditions.

But he does believe there are two pieces of the puzzle which may fit perfectly for his filly.

"She is out of Milliyet , which is by Zabeel, and they love the wet, so on breeding, she could handle it," Lees said.

"And this week she has worked in the wet at Broadmeadow and never missed a beat.

"However, you never know if they will handle it until a jockey let's their head go in a race.

"It's when they are under pressure that they soon show whether they will or won't get through it. So it is a matter of wait and see and hope."

Lees says that Samantha Miss will go into the race in great condition.

"She looks great and I have always thought the 1400 would be her go," Lees said.

"But then she has to take on Sebring and Von Costa De Hero and that is not an easy task."

Lees also has Exinite and Zattero in the Charman's Handicap (2600m), which is the lead-up to the Sydney Cup.

"Both horses would have to go extra well to back up in the Sydney Cup," Lees said.

"But they do have wet form and that could count for a lot on Saturday."

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

Back to News Index | Back to Home