Kris Lees intends to adopt a similar approach to Bestower’s last victory for her upcoming run in the Caloundra Cup, opting for a seven-day turnaround.
The five-year-old mare’s most recent win was at Warwick Farm in December, where she raced over 2400 metres and had enjoyed a 10-day break.
This Saturday at the Sunshine Coast, she will take her place in the Listed staying feature, just a week after finishing fourth in the Tattersall’s Gold Crown (2100m) at Eagle Farm. Lees is hoping history repeats itself.
“She has raced on a ten day turnaround and won, so this is slightly tighter,” Lees said.
“But she’s come through the 2100 metre race on Saturday well. They just didn’t go quick enough for her. It was a small field and a slack speed, but she hit the line nicely.”
“Whether she’s up to the grade is the question, but it’s good prizemoney and a good chance for her, and she will be suited by the big track.”
With three wins from 31 starts, Bestower is known for being consistent rather than a prolific winner.
She has achieved 13 further placings and has only failed to finish in the top five on four occasions.
From barrier one, Lees expects Bestower to present a competitive effort in the Caloundra Cup (2400m), contingent on a genuine race pace.
“She has a good finish if she gets the right tempo up front,” he said.
The stable will also be represented by the promising three-year-old Rustemo in the Group 3 Winx Guineas (1600m) after he achieved a hat-trick of wins to commence his preparation.
While these victories were in lesser races, Lees is pragmatic about testing the gelding in tougher company while he is in superb form.
“He has come a long way this preparation,” he said.
“He ran about four seconds last time in and he’s put three wins together, so he has been very consistent.”
“It’s a huge jump in grade for him from a Sunday race, so we’re under no illusions there, but there’s big prizemoney attached, and he has won at the track.”
Rustemo has drawn ideally in gate three and will be ridden by Michael Rodd.
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