Kris Lees is gearing up to start the spring campaign of Adelaide River at Rosehill, with the Irish Derby placegetter returning after a lengthy break. While Saturday’s race isn’t the horse’s main target, Lees is eager to get him back on the track.
Adelaide River last raced in October when finishing fourth in the Caulfield Stakes (2000m). That was his fifth start for Lees since arriving from Aidan O’Brien’s stable, where he had placed three times at Group 1 level in Europe.
Although his best results have been over longer trips, Lees sees the Captivant @ Kia Ora Handicap (1400m) as a good starting point. The gelding has shown sharpness by winning his past three trials, raising the possibility of a strong first-up run.
“I’m keen to get him to the races,” Lees said.
“It’s not the right trip for him but he needs a day out. He’ll run well and he could easily surprise.”
This will be Adelaide River’s third preparation with Lees, having competed twice last winter and during a mixed 2024 carnival, where his best effort was a close fourth to Buckaroo in the Chelmsford Stakes (1600m).
Lees has since had the horse gelded, hoping it will bring more consistent form.
“It’s his first run back as a gelding,” he said.
“He was a big, heavy horse and he was mixing his form a little bit last preparation so it was the right time to do that.”
Also representing Lees at Rosehill will be Wisnierska in the Asahi Super Dry Handicap (1300m) and Cloudland in the day’s last race. Wisnierska, who ran on strongly for a placing behind Rosebud contender Nashville first-up, should appreciate the rise in trip.
“She mixed it with a couple of handy enough horses (at two). She was good first time out and with that run under her belt, she should run well,” Lees said.
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