Kris Lees is looking forward to the Brisbane winter carnival with classy New Zelanad bred filly Hera.
She is expected to make will make her Australian debut
for the Broadmeadow trainer in the Gr.3 J H B Carr Stakes on Saturday week.The O'Reilly filly was purchased by Australian Bloodstock and syndicated after capturing the Gr.2 Sir Tristram Classic at Te Rapa in February.
Rather than press ahead toward the Sydney autumn carnival, Lees has decided to focus on Brisbane with Hera and has planned two lead-up races for her into the Gr.1 Queensland Oaks at Eagle Farm on May 31.
After resuming in the Carr Stakes, she will contest the Gr.3 Doomben Roses on May 17.
Hera furthered her preparation with a trial placing over 1100 metres at Broadmeadow this week. "I thought she trialled nicely, and she is ready to go to the races," Lees said. "I did give some thought to kicking her off at 1600m, but the 1400m of the Carr looks the right way to go."
O'Reilly has been having a red hot run of success in Australia notably with Group I stars Silent Achiever and Sacred Falls. - NZ Racing Desk
