International combination set to pay off for Lees

Leading Newcastle trainer Kris Lees will unleash an international flavour at Thursday’s Hawkesbury meeting when former UK galloper Protagonist contests the Listed Pioneer Services Rowley Mile (1600m) with the now Hong Kong-based Hugh Bowman in the saddle.

The Australian Bloodstock-owned Protagonist was trained in the UK by William Haggas, who campaigned the gelding in Sydney in the autumn for a success in the Sky High Stakes at Rosehill before a midfield finish in the Doncaster Mile and a last in the JRA Plate.

“Protagonist stayed here with me when the carnival was over, and everything he’s showing me at the moment points towards a good preparation,” Lees said.

“William left him in great condition and the horse has shown he has obvious talent.

“The mile might just be a bit short for him first-up at Hawkesbury, but in saying that, he has a touch of class, and that will take him a long way.”

Lees gave Protagonist two barrier trials last month, and the seven-year-old improved on a last placing at Wyong on July 10 with a narrow victory at Gosford on July 26.

“He’s coming to hand nicely so now it is just a matter of how he handles the mile as he hasn’t won at anything less than 1900m,” said Lees.

“He’s drawn well and it’s good to have Hugh on while he’s back in Sydney. It’s Hugh’s only ride of the day so that’s a positive.”

Lees will be represented by two other runners at Hawkesbury with Lady Townson in the Workers Lifestyle Group Provincial Maiden Handicap (1500m) and Classic Deel in the Godolphin Benchmark 64 Handicap (1800m).