Kris Lees back to test Sydney waters with Bubba’s Bay

Having ended her most recent campaign with a hat-trick of wins in Brisbane, Bubba’s Bay is being given another opportunity to prove her wares in the tougher Sydney arena.

Trainer Kris Lees says the four-year-old has returned a more furnished horse this preparation and he is keen to see how she acquits herself in the Kia Ora Prague Handicap (1100m) at Randwick.

While she has been competitive in Saturday Sydney grade during past campaigns, including a third behind Our Kobison and subsequent Group 3 winner Tintookie at Rosehill in January, Bubba’s Bay has recorded five of her seven career victories in Queensland.

Lees wants to see her break her Sydney Saturday duck before committing to a plan.

“She has got Queensland form, whether she can maintain that winning run in Sydney or she goes back to Queensland, we will give her a chance here and this will tell us where she sits,” Lees said.

“If she can perform well here, we will look at going to better company.

“She has come back really well and she has trialled nicely.”

Bubba’s Bay will carry 56kg following the three-kilo claim of stable apprentice Benjamin Osmond, who is Lees’ latest protege following Dylan Gibbons ‘ recent graduation to the senior riding ranks.

The trainer’s one note of caution is Bubba’s Bay’s first-up record as the mare hasn’t won fresh, although she did finish on the heels of the placegetters when she last resumed at Randwick in December.

“She seems to be that style of horse that gets better into her campaign so she will run well, but she will improve off the run,” he said.

Bubba’s Bay has had market support, firming from $7 into $6, although the bulk of the early money has been for Godolphin runner Fleetwood.

Returning from a two-start stint in Melbourne where he was placed in Listed company, Fleetwood initially shared favouritism with Shezanalister but has been backed from $2.80 into $2.15 outright top pick.