Dual stakes winner Infancy is on tenterhooks for a potential start in the $2 million The Invitation at Randwick, a race that would significantly bolster her career achievements before she transitions to her broodmare career.

The six-year-old mare has recently been served by the promising young sire Anamoe. Trainer Kris Lees is confident she can add to her racing resume and prize money before embarking on her next phase.

Lees is anticipating confirmation early this week that Infancy has secured a spot in The Invitation (1400m) next Saturday. He has observed that mares often race better when they are in foal.

‘She’s had a little freshen-up where she went to a stallion, being Anamoe, and she’s still positive,’ Lees remarked. ‘The majority race better (in foal). Some have an adverse effect, but there’s no suggestion of that.’

Infancy boasts a strong record at Randwick, where she secured her two black-type wins: the 2024 Fireball Quality (1100m) and last year’s Group 2 Sapphire Stakes (1200m). Lees is keen to have her compete at this venue again.

She demonstrated her ability at the top level when finishing sixth in the Group 1 Tattersall’s Tiara (1400m) at Eagle Farm in June. Since then, she has delivered two encouraging performances, most recently a closing fourth in the Tibbie Stakes (1400m) at her home track in Newcastle.

‘She went to Brisbane and had a couple of runs over the winter and came back, so she hasn’t really spelled. I’ve kept her in light work and raced her sparingly,’ he stated. ‘She ran really well in the Tibbie. They walked and she charged home.’

‘It will be five weeks into the Invitation with a trial,’ Lees continued. ‘Her win record isn’t great because she is a backmarker, but she’s raced at a high grade, she’s a dual stakes winner, and has had numerous bad luck stories, as those style of horses do. All her best runs have been at Randwick, and any rain won’t hurt her.’

Dylan Gibbons is on standby to partner Infancy, who would join a select field in the invitation-only race. Nine runners have already been confirmed, including Group 1 winners Lazzura and Idle Flyer, as well as Nivison victor Gerringong.

Lees also confirmed that Golden Rose placegetter Under Focus is being aimed at the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on October 31 and is likely to trial down the straight on Friday.

For punters interested in Infancy’s chances in The Invitation, exploring the available racing betting markets at Australian betting sites is a good starting point.