Kris Lees: Graff Looks To The Shorts To Secure Everest Slot
Australia, Racing News, 20.09.19: Newcastle based Kris Lees is no stranger to the Everest, having had three 2018 Everest contenders in his stable (In Her Time, Graff and Le Romain) and in training with him. This year In Her Time will be representing slot Holder Inglis’ interests in the A$ 14 million spectacle.
His other protégé Graff, on the other hand, one of the most powerful sprinters in Australia has not yet found his way into his 2019 Everest field.
Not for a lack of trying or a lack of ability, The son of Star Witness was a third in the Gr.3 Concorde Stakes just one length behind dual Everest winner Redzel.
With a long-term view to the best interest of his sprinter, he decided to take off Graff’s blinkers.
Graff has raced with blinkers in all his nine starts but as he has matured, he grew fiercer with the blinkers. So top conditioner took a call to remove the blinkers with immediate (positive) effect in the Concorde Stakes.
“It’s (the Gr.3 Concorde Stakes) is still a bit short for him.”
“1200 is the ideal distance. But he will have a start in the shorts. 1100m, with a premium field as the Everest.”
The heavy ground last year was a concern for most owners & trainers last year during The Everest.
“Graff has matured in the last year and so the heavy ground won’t be an issue.”
“Graff’s performance in The Shorts will decide when and where he will race next.”
In Her Time is likely to head straight to The Everest while Graff can enhance his chances of claiming one of the remaining spots, notably James Harron’s, by performing well in The Shorts.
Kris Lees’ is also excited about the Caulfield and Melbourne Cup prospects for Australian Bloodstock-owned Ebor Cup (2019) winner Mustajeer.
His own favourite Melbourne Cup winners are:
- 2002 – Media Puzzle
- 1996 - Saintly
- 1997 – Might and Power
- 1994 - Jeune