Lord Of Biscay delivers quinella for Lees in Championships Final
Kris Lees keeps dominating the Provincial-Midway Championships Final with his sixth victory in the $1 million showdown, completing a one-two finish as well.
It replicated the previous year's top three in altered sequence, with Lord Of Biscay ($3.50 fav), last season's second, powering away to win by three lengths over barnmate Imposant ($21), and Matcha Latte ($4), the reigning champion, in third spot.
Having captured half of the 12 runnings of the Provincial-Midway Championships Final (1400m) since its 2015 inception under adjusted rules, the unassuming Novocastrian credited his entire crew.
"We're the biggest stable in the provincials, we're entitled to have a good representation, but full credit to all the staff at home to get these horses presented on the day and they raced really well," Lees said.
"He got a perfect run in transit. I was very confident in the run with him. He was getting all the favours he needed, and he reacted well."
One individual linked to Lees who might not be fully pleased is his wife Kristy, part-owner of the runner-up Imposant.
"My wife owns that one. Anyway, she ran well in the race last year, and she has run well again today, so good result," he said of Imposant.
Imported from Europe, Lord Of Biscay needed time to settle into Aussie tracks but has excelled in recent months.
He should head towards the Tamworth Cup (1400m) on April 24 to earn a start in the Big Dance (1600m) at Randwick on Melbourne Cup Day, improving on last year's seventh.
Jockey James McDonald commended trainer Kris Lees for preparing Lord Of Biscay perfectly for this major.
"Kris is a champion. He's such a good trainer. He knows how to 'prep' these horses up," McDonald said.
"He told me a couple of weeks ago, 'you want to be riding this horse'. He's in career-best form, and he felt enormous today."
Previous triumphs for Lees in the race feature Spangler (2023), Kinloch (2022), Cristal Breeze (2021), Serene Miss (2018) and Danish Twist in 2016.
Discover leading online bookmakers offering betting markets for the race similar to the Provincial-Midway Championships Final.
More Racing News
Seraphox to kick off Guineas campaign in McNeil Stakes
It remains uncertain precisely how many runners Ciaron Maher will field in this Saturday's $200,000 H D F McNeil Stakes, but one colt guaranteed to compete is Seraphox.This son of Harry Angel is set to commence a campaign that has been meticulously planned with the $3 million Group 1 Caulfield...
Mr Brightside and Williams ready for another Memsie Stakes tilt
Craig Williams is aware that the remarkable journey with Mr Brightside is finite, yet he expresses enthusiasm for commencing a sixth Spring Carnival campaign with the gelding.The accomplished jockey will once again team up with the nine-year-old, prepared by the training team of Ben, Will, and JD Hayes, for this...
Guest House, Golden Slipper winner, set for three-year-old season start
Guest House cemented his status as a juvenile star last preparation, and his aim this spring is to prove he's more than just an early bloomer.The colt, who trainer Mick Price described as a 'big centre-half-forward', is scheduled for his first start as a three-year-old in the upcoming $250,000 Group...
Defiantly Claims Melbourne Cup Berth With Prix Kergorlay Win
Defiantly has clinched a ballot-exempt spot for the prestigious Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) following a dominant performance in the Group 2 Prix Kergorlay (3000m) at Deauville on Sunday. This success positions trainer Joseph O'Brien with another potent contender for a race where he has a notable track record.The Prix...
Yellow Jersey set for highly anticipated return
A joint workout at Sandown on Saturday saw Yellow Jersey keeping Half Yours company, a session Calvin McEvoy felt had a pleasing symmetry as both horses gear up for their spring returns.Last year, Half Yours offered the McEvoys, including father Tony, a glimpse into the pressures associated with the carnival's...
Persian Wonder eyes Up And Coming Stakes as next step
David Payne is setting his sights on early season three-year-old races for Persian Wonder, a horse who placed in the Baillieu, with the Up And Coming Stakes at Rosehill being a prime consideration.The accomplished trainer has confirmed the gelding will be entered for the Group 3 Rosehill feature next Saturday,...
Classy mare Gold Coast Belle too good on return
Gold Coast Belle is poised for more significant tests following a triumphant resumption at Sandown on Saturday.Trainer Danny O'Brien has signalled a progression to Group 2 races for the four-year-old mare, who comfortably surpassed her opposition, including the previously undefeated Tennessee Bound, in the $150,000 Dr Sheahan Plate (1300m) contested...
Autumn Glow triumphs over Sheza Alibi in star mare clash
The anticipated duel between racing's premier mares delivered a compelling spectacle, with Autumn Glow ultimately dominating to clinch her fourth career Group 1 victory in the $1 million Winx Stakes (1400m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday. Sheza Alibi's performance to secure second place, just one-and-a-half lengths adrift, was exceptional given...
Craig Williams enjoys a stellar day at Sandown with four wins, including Carlyon Stakes
Sandown proved a happy hunting ground for jockey Craig Williams on Saturday, as the premier rider dominated the meeting transferred from Moonee Valley, securing four victories including the feature Group 3 Carlyon Stakes.Williams piloted Cavalry Girl, trained by Tom Dabernig, to a stylish win in the 1000m feature, capping a...
Midnight In Tokyo delivers first Group win for trainer Todd Pollard
Todd Pollard has celebrated his inaugural Group success with Midnight In Tokyo claiming the Show County Quality at Randwick, a significant milestone just under five months after commencing his training career.After gaining experience with Annabel and Rob Archibald in Sydney, Pollard relocated to Queensland to manage their satellite operation before...