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Trainer Believes Upset On The Cards In Randwick Guineas

Miss Fabulass is capable of a Randwick Guineas upset on Saturday provided she gets the right run, says Kris Lees.

Though unplaced at both runs since resuming, the well-bred filly’s trainer certainly hasn’t lost faith in her.

Miss Fabulass (Kerrin McEvoy) claims the Tea Rose Stakes at Royal Randwick. Image by Bradley Photographers

Lees had no hesitation in backing up Miss Fabulass (Jason Collett) against star colt The Autumn Sun and classy filly Nakeeta Jane in the $1m Group 1 Mostyn Copper Randwick Guineas (1600m), which he won three years ago with Le Romain, who started at $21 and upset hot favorite Press Statement.

Miss Fabulass is rated a $26 chance in early Guineas betting on TAB fixed odds, with The Autumn Sun at $1.65.

“She is thriving,” Lees said of the Frankel three-year-old out of his former outstanding mare Samantha Miss.

“Unfortunately, she has drawn awkwardly again (eight in a field of nine) as has been the case both runs this preparation when she was beaten only three lengths on each occasion.

“I would have much preferred an inside alley for her. But if things work out and she gets the right run, I’ve got no doubt she is capable of producing an upset.”

Miss Fabulass, already a Group 2 winner, was beaten centimetres into fourth in the Group 1 Flight Stakes over the Guineas course last September against her own sex when she ruined her chances by over-racing.

She started from the outside alley (14) last Saturday and, though only 11th, hit the line well behind Nakeeta Jane ($5.50 in the Randwick Guineas) in the Group 1 Surround Stakes (1400m) at Randwick. Lees considers Miss Fabulass’ Guineas performance will determine the path he takes with her this autumn.

“She is racing as though she is going to handle further,” he said. “If she is good at the end of the 1600m on Saturday, we’ll step her up to 2000m and go back to her own sex in the Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes at Rosehill Gardens in a fortnight as an Oaks trial.”

The $1m Group 1 Heineken 3 Australian Oaks (2400m) will be run at Randwick on April 13. Miss Fabulass will be joined by Star Reflection ($16), Big Duke ($7.50) and Karavali ($31) at the Randwick meeting.

Collett rides Star Reflection (Group 3 Wenona Girl Quality, 1200m) and Karavali (Group 3 Aspiration Quality, 1600m), and Brenton Avdulla partners Sydney Cup contender Big Duke in the Listed Randwick City Stakes (2000m).

“Star Reflection is back from Queensland where she raced well, and has freshened up nicely,” Lees said. “She has drawn well, and likes Randwick. I’m expecting her to be very competitive.

“Karavali won this race last year, but realistically I feel will need a wet track to do it again. Big Duke was terrific at his first run for me when runner-up to stablemate Red Cardinal in the Listed Parramatta Cup (1900m).

“He was on the fresh side and had soft conditions to suit that day, and might be looking for 2400m now and has drawn poorly. But he’s too good a stayer at his best to leave out.”

View the final fields with full form & race replays for Royal Randwick here

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