Infancy's The Invitation prospects while in foal

Dual stakes winner Infancy is eagerly awaiting a potential start in the $2 million The Invitation at Randwick, a race that could significantly boost her career accolades before she transitions to her role as a broodmare.

The six-year-old mare has recently been served by the promising young sire Anamoe. Her trainer, Kris Lees, is optimistic that she can add to her impressive resume and prize money before commencing her next career phase.

Lees is expecting confirmation early in the week on whether Infancy has secured a place in The Invitation (1400m) scheduled for next Saturday. He has noted a successful history with mares competing effectively while in foal.

'She's had a little freshen-up where she went to a stallion, being Anamoe, and she's still positive,' Lees commented. 'The majority race better (in foal). Some have an adverse effect, but there's no suggestion of that.'

The mare has a notable history of success at Randwick, where she achieved her two black-type victories: the 2024 Fireball Quality (1100m) and last year's Group 2 Sapphire Stakes (1200m). Lees is keen to have Infancy compete again at this venue.

She proved her class at the highest level when finishing sixth in the Group 1 Tattersall's Tiara (1400m) at Eagle Farm in June. Since then, she has delivered two encouraging performances, most recently a fast-finishing fourth in the Tibbie Stakes (1400m) at her home track in Newcastle.

'She went to Brisbane and had a couple of runs over the winter and came back, so she hasn't really spelled. I've kept her in light work and raced her sparingly,' he elaborated. 'She ran really well in the Tibbie. They walked and she charged home.'

'It will be five weeks into the Invitation with a trial,' Lees added. 'Her win record isn't great because she is a backmarker, but she's raced at a high grade, she's a dual stakes winner, and has had numerous bad luck stories, as those style of horses do. All her best runs have been at Randwick, and any rain won't hurt her.'

Infancy has Dylan Gibbons on standby to ride her, should she gain entry into the exclusive invitation-only race. Nine runners are already confirmed, including Group 1 winners Lazzura and Idle Flyer, as well as Nivison winner Gerringong.

Lees also indicated that Golden Rose runner-up Under Focus is being prepared for the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on October 31, with a likely trial down the straight on Friday.

Punters looking to get involved with Infancy in The Invitation can find competitive racing odds at online bookmakers.