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Kris Lees is banking on Le Villi’s soft draw negating any concerns about a quick back-up in tomorrow’s $700,000 Group 1 Queensland Oaks (2200m) at Eagle Farm.
The former New Zealand filly, to be ridden by Tim Clark, had her first start in seven weeks when a pleasing fifth to Oaks rival Barb Raider in the traditional lead-up, the Group 2 The Roses (2100m), at that track last week after it could not be held at Doomben a week earlier.
She had not raced since finishing seventh to another Melbourne filly El Patroness in the Group 1 ATC Oaks (2400m) at Royal Randwick on April 9 when having her first Australian start after being purchased by Australian Bloodstock.
"There's nothing we could do about it, but obviously I would have preferred a fortnight's break going into tomorrow's race," Lees said this morning.
"Le Villi no doubt will take benefit from last week's run, but she has never backed up in seven days before.
"It has to be some concern, but at least she has drawn an inside gate (two) in the big field, and that should help her get a nice run.
"I was happy with her performance last week. She kept working to the line, so the extra 100m should suit."
Lees is no stranger to success in the Queensland fillies' classic, having won the Oaks in 2005 with Vitesse Dane, who then was an unlucky third against the "boys" in the Queensland Derby.
Lees has four Eagle Farm acceptors – and all have good prospects.
His other representatives are Ventura Ocean (Class 6 Handicap, 1400m), Never Talk (MM National Classic, 1600m), and Wandabaa (Group 2 Moreton Cup, 1200m).
Andrew Mallyon rides Ventura Ocean, Hugh Bowman partners Never Talk, and Willie Pike has the Wandabaa mount.
"Ventura Ocean ran well when seventh in The Archer at Rockhampton last month, and comes back from weight-for-age to a Class 6," Lees said.
"Importantly, he likes the Eagle Farm surface, having won his first two Australian starts there last year.
"Never Talk has never been to 1600m, but it's the right time to try her against her own sex in a small field.
"The firmer track is a concern, but she is in good order and can definitely run well.
"Wandabaa is in the same boat with the track as she is so good on rain-affected ground.
"But it looks a nice option for her, and she has done well since running second (Never Talk was third) in the Group 3 Dark Jewel Classic (1400m) at Scone on May 14."
. Lees has three acceptors at his home track meeting at Newcastle tomorrow, and considers Show Me Your Love as clearly his best chance.
The recent first-up impressive Mudgee winner tackles the Class 1 Handicap (1400m), with Andrew Gibbons aboard.
"It's a decent jump going from a country Maiden to the provincials, but she is a lightly-raced So You Think filly with upside," Lees said.
"She has drawn favorably, and I expect her to run well."
Gibbons also partners Unearthed in the Benchmark 64 Handicap (1600m), and the Written Tycoon mare has had the benefit of two runs since resuming.
"She has a place chance whilst our other runner Toomai is resuming and likely to need this run," Lees said.
Stable apprentice Bailey Wheeler, who has won on Toomai, rides her in the Conditional Benchmark 68 Handicap (1300m).