Caloundra Cup: Bestower ready for seven-day back-up

Trainer Kris Lees is set to employ a familiar tactic for Bestower's upcoming tilt at the Caloundra Cup, opting for a seven-day turnaround, much like her last successful outing.

The five-year-old mare's most recent triumph occurred at Warwick Farm in December, where she competed over 2400 metres following a 10-day interval between starts.

This Saturday at the Sunshine Coast, she will compete in the Listed staying feature, a week after finishing fourth in the Tattersall's Gold Crown (2100m) at Eagle Farm, and Lees is hopeful for a repeat performance.

"She has raced on a ten day turnaround and won, so this is slightly tighter," Lees said.

"But she's come through the 2100 metre race on Saturday well. They just didn't go quick enough for her. It was a small field and a slack speed, but she hit the line nicely."

"Whether she's up to the grade is the question, but it's good prizemoney and a good chance for her, and she will be suited by the big track."

Bestower, a winner of three races from 31 starts, is not a prolific winner but consistently runs competitive races.

The mare has secured 13 additional placings and has only finished outside the top five on four occasions.

From barrier one, Lees anticipates Bestower will run competitively in the Caloundra Cup (2400m), provided the race unfolds at a decent pace.

"She has a good finish if she gets the right tempo up front," he said.

The stable will also field the progressive three-year-old Rustemo in the Group 3 Winx Guineas (1600m), following an impressive hat-trick of wins to begin his campaign.

Although these wins were in lesser company, Lees is prepared to test the gelding in stronger fields while he is performing so well.

"He has come a long way this preparation," he said.

"He ran about four seconds last time in and he's put three wins together, so he has been very consistent."

"It's a huge jump in grade for him from a Sunday race, so we're under no illusions there, but there's big prizemoney attached, and he has won at the track."

Rustemo has drawn perfectly in gate three and will be ridden by Michael Rodd.

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