Gem Song Backs Up At Randwick

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Talented three-year-old Gem Song will back up at Randwick on Saturday as he takes a critical step towards a start in next month’s $2 million Caulfield Guineas.

Trainer Kris Lees has decided to give Gem Song his second start in seven days in Saturday’s Listed Dulcify Quality (1600m) after being satisfied with the colt’s progress since his impressive Rosehill win last Saturday.

Gem Song overcame difficulties to win over 1500m against his own age carrying 59.5kg under Benchmark 72 conditions.

“He has come through that race really well and I’ve got no qualms about backing him up,” Lees said.

“I’m keen to give him his chance in the Caulfield Guineas if he races up to expectations on Saturday.”

Gem Song adds to the strong team Lees wil send to Randwick despite being without runners in G1 Epsom Handicap and G1 ATC Metropolitan.

The star of the team is Miss Fabulass, favourite for the $500,000 Flight Stakes (1600m) after her last start win in the G2 Tea Rose Stakes over 1400m at Randwick on September 15.

The Frankel filly is striving to emulate her dam Samantha Miss, who won the Tea Rose Stakes-Flight Stakes double in 2008.

Lees will make a two-pronged attack on the $500,000 Premiere Stakes (1200m) after deciding to resume smart mare Invincible Gem with his Everest candidate In Her Time.

Invincible Gem spelled in Queensland after the winter carnival. She hasn’t raced since finishing seventh to Prompt Response in the G1 Tattersall’s Tiara (1350m) at Doomben on June 23.

“She did tremendously well during her break, and has had two recent trials to get her ready for the Premiere,” Lees said.

“Our target with her is the Myer Classic at Flemington on November 3.”

In Her Time is among six of the confirmed The Everest contenders set to run in the Premiere Stakes at her first outing for the Lees stable.

Lees has another smart mare Just Dreaming resuming on Saturday in a Benchmark 88 over 1200m and has booked apprentice Sam Weatherley to lessen her 60.5kg.