Astute Newcastle trainer Kris Lees is hoping two-year-old gelding Flag Of Honour can take a step to being a spring prospect in the opening event at Rosehill the Furphy Handicap (1400 metres) on Saturday.
The son of American Pharoah came from last in his 1200 metres debut at his home track at Newcastle on June 25 to win comfortably by a length and a quarter.
Lees said Flag Of Honour had a bright future but wanted to see how he performed against stronger company.
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“He has trained on well since beating older horses over 1200m at home a fortnight ago,” Lees said.
“He goes straight to town on a Saturday and obviously it’s a good test but he has plenty of upside and I’m sure he will run well.”
Lees will also be represented by former Kiwi Cacofonix (Benchmark 78 over 1200m for three-year-olds) who will be making his debut for the stable after winning two of his four starts in New Zealand.
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“He is a nice horse but has drawn awkwardly and we’ll go back on him and give him the chance to finish off.”
Lees has also elected to run last start Flemington winner Grand Rumore in the Benchmark 88 over 1400m rather than the Benchmark 78.
Lees though said though Grand Rumore may not run if the track was too heavy. The track rating on Friday morning was a Heavy 9.
Lees has last start Canterbury Heavy 10 winner Tawfiq Lass and Lunakorn in the Benchmark 78 over 1400 metres for fillies and mares.
Lees is also backing up Snowzone who finished second behind Conscript last Saturday in the final race.
“Snowzone is very genuine and tough and it’s no problem backing him up again on another heavy track,” Lees said.
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