By Ray Hickson
Trainer Kris Lees is banking on consistent stayer Admiral Jello having the right form lines to break through for an overdue win at Randwick on Saturday.
Admiral Jello recorded his fifth consecutive placing when runner-up to Auvray in the Group 3 Colin Stephen Quality last month.
Of course Auvray has since finished runner-up to Big Duke in the St Leger and that gives Lees confidence going into the Listed $125,000 City Tattersall’s Club Cup (2400m).
“He deserves a win at that level, he's been very consistent this preparation without winning,’’ Lees said.
“The form has stood up around him, with Auvray going well the other day.
“He's been up a while but it's been a few weeks between runs with a trial in between so I think he will go to the races in good order.’’
The gelding won over the Randwick 2400m back in January and appeared set to charge through the grades this preparation.
Lees said he’s certainly measured up to the tougher challenges.
“You're going from restricted racing to stakes races, they aren't easy but he has proved he's competitive at this level,’’ he said.
Group winning mare Zestful hasn’t raced since finishing midfield in the Tibbie Stakes (1400m) over a month ago and resurfaces for the Group 3 $150,000 Nivison (1200m) on Saturday.
The six-year-old’s last win came over the same course in February when she downed Nancy and Dixie Blossoms in the Triscay Stakes.
“She appreciates when she's freshened up. It's a really strong race this year but she is quite capable on her day,’’ Lees said.
Meanwhile, Clearly Innocent has come through his run in The Everest in good order and Lees is sending him to Melbourne where he’ll likely tackle the Group 1 Darley Classic (1200m) down the Flemington straight.
Check out the fields and form for Royal Randwick on Saturday