Gelded River ready to run at Rosehill races

Adelaide River will begin his latest preparation at Rosehill on Saturday, with trainer Kris Lees excited to get the Irish Derby placegetter back on the racecourse. Although the race isn’t his main aim, it marks an important step in his spring program.

The six-year-old hasn’t been seen since finishing fourth in the Caulfield Stakes (2000m) last October. That was his fifth outing for Lees since transferring from Aidan O’Brien, under whom he claimed three Group 1 placings in Europe.

Known for his staying ability, Adelaide River will resume in the Captivant @ Kia Ora Handicap (1400m), having impressed with three consecutive trial wins.

“I’m keen to get him to the races,” Lees said.

“It’s not the right trip for him but he needs a day out. He’ll run well and he could easily surprise.”

This will be his third campaign under Lees, which previously included a close fourth to Buckaroo in the Chelmsford Stakes (1600m). Since then, the horse has been gelded in hopes of improved consistency.

“It’s his first run back as a gelding,” Lees said.

“He was a big, heavy horse and he was mixing his form a little bit last preparation so it was the right time to do that.”

Lees will also saddle Wisnierska in the Asahi Super Dry Handicap (1300m) and Cloudland later in the day. Wisnierska ran well first-up when placed behind Nashville, a Rosebud contender, and is expected to benefit from stepping up in trip.

“She mixed it with a couple of handy enough horses (at two). She was good first time out and with that run under her belt, she should run well,” Lees said.

Punters can follow Adelaide River’s return and other spring highlights like the Caulfield Stakes by securing the best odds at top betting sites.