Draw and trip suit Rivellino in 2025 Caulfield Guineas

Kris Lees is confident Rivellino can make an impact when he steps out for his Melbourne debut in Saturday’s Group 1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m).

The son of Dundeel has drawn barrier three and will be ridden by Craig Williams, with Lees hopeful a good gate and a rise in distance will help the colt turn his form around after a mixed Sydney preparation.

“I’ve been a bit forgiving of his runs this time in,” Lees said. “He’s been back in the field at Rosehill where on-speed horses have dominated. We’ve always thought the mile would suit him, but last prep was a long one and we gave him a break after the Sires’. We’re looking forward to seeing him at Caulfield.”

Rivellino’s two-year-old campaign featured three wins, a fourth in the Golden Slipper (1200m) and a fifth in the ATC Sires’ Produce (1400m), and Lees said the colt’s talent remains intact despite not yet firing this preparation.

To give him a feel for the Caulfield circuit, Lees sent Rivellino for a gallop there on Tuesday — his first time racing left-handed, though the trainer said the horse has been well-schooled for it at home.

“Once every couple of weeks we go the Melbourne way on our course proper just to give the track a rest,” Lees said. “He’s had a few of those gallops and handles it fine.”

Lees said the plan from gate three would be to have Rivellino closer in the run after settling back in his Sydney starts.

“He’s in good order but he has to bring his best,” Lees said. “If he jumps cleanly and can hold a spot, that’ll be key. His last-start sectionals were good — they went quick up front, broke the track record, and he was still closing.”

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