John Schell
Newcastle trainer Kris Lees is well represented across two races at Taree on Tuesday with five runners set to go around at the Manning Valley Race Club meeting.
Lees will rely on three runners for success in the Tradies Day August 14 Maiden Handicap (1400m): Firey Truth (Aaron Bullock), Oh My Oh My (William Stanley) and Bollente Bella (Andrew Gibbons).
“They are three nice chances going around in a race that should suit each of them,” Lees said.
“Bollente Bella has only had four starts, but they have all been in city-grade races.
“We thought enough of her to run her in the Phelan Ready against Listed grade at Doomben last
December and she ran well in that when finishing fifth. She had another run at Eagle Farm after that
and then went for a break.
“We gave her a couple of trials before resuming and she’s finished sixth and fifth in two Canterbury
maidens. That form looks good for her.”
Oh My Oh My made her debut with a third at Muswellbrook, while Firey Truth’s best effort in four starts was a third on debut on the Beaumont track at Newcastle.
“Firey Truth resumed with a sixth in a handy maiden at Gosford the other day and I was pleased
enough with him, and Oh My Oh My ran well at her first start, so should come on from that,” Lees
said.
Lees lines up a dual attack in the TAB Venue Mode Benchmark 58 Handicap (1250m), saddling up Smashing Nova under Stanley and Too Darn Finesse with Gibbons aboard.
“Again, it looks to be a nice race for both of them,” Lees said.
“Smashing Nova has been a consistent horse and did manage to finish in the placings in four of his
first seven starts. He resumed the other day at Port Macquarie after two trials and did the job well to
win his maiden. Now that he’s broken through, he can go on with it.
“Too Darn Finesse ran home well at Scone when second-up and she’ll be suited by the rise in trip.”
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