Kris Lees has opted for Brisbane over Sydney with in-form gelding Tasoraay after the four-year-old was handed a horror draw at Randwick.
Tasoraay had been accepted for two races but barrier 20 in the Saddles @ Mount White Handicap (1400m) forced Lees’ hand, confirming he will instead contest The Gateway (1400m) at Eagle Farm.
“We will send him up. It’s good prizemoney and he’s in form,” Lees said.
“He drew wide in Sydney, so we’ll give him his chance up there.”
The gelding has won three from 11, his latest coming under 60kg at Canterbury in a narrow but strong performance.
His pathway resembles that of stablemate Dream Hour, who caused an upset in The Gateway two years ago before being targeted at the Provincial-Midway Championships.
Lees believes Tasoraay fits the same mould.
“He will probably have a freshen after this and prepare for the Provincial Championships. He profiles like one of those type of horses,” he said.
The winner of The Gateway also secures a start in the June running of the Stradbroke Handicap (1400m).
While the Stradbroke isn’t an immediate goal, Lees concedes plans may change quickly if Tasoraay wins.
“It’s a big jump from this race to a Stradbroke, but with a free ticket, you’d have to consider it,” he said.
Early markets have Tasoraay at $23, with Boomtown Boss leading the betting at $2.70.
Those looking to back him can compare prices via top Australian betting sites.