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By Mark Brassel

Korean jockey Hyosik Lee has been entrusted with a massive book of rides for one of NSW Country’s leading trainers at Coonabarabran on Monday.

Lee, 21, has picked up six mounts for top Tamworth-based trainer Sue Grills – to whom he is apprenticed – on Coonabarabran Cup day.

“Hyosik is here for three months but is a very good rider and has excellent race sense,” Grills said. “It’s a shame he is only here for a short time as he has plenty of ability.”

Lee claims just 1½ kilos having booted home 53 winners in Korea.

The youngster was straight into action at his first day riding in Australia by guiding home a winning double on Husonique and Cool Prince, the latter one of his rides at Coonabarabran for the Grills camp in the Loch Lomond Border Leicester Stud Baradine Cup (1400m).

“Cool Prince has done well since his win at Grafton and should again go close especially having drawn the inside gate,” Grills said.

Murtalert is an interesting runner in the Imperial Hotel Maiden (1200m), the six-year-old having just his second career start after running fourth at Coonamble in March.

“He was a bit of a hard horse to handle but is much better now,” Grills admitted. “He spent a while at the pre-trainer then came in and went shine sore so was turned out again; the owners have been very patient and I hope they are rewarded.”

Murtalert was impressive winning a Tamworth barrier trial in preparation for Monday’s contest: “We were happy with his trial and expect him to run well.”

Lee’s other mounts for the Grills stable (and Sue’s comments) are - Moonlight Spy: “The horse just never seems to draw a barrier. He has the ability but just needs luck to go his way and would you believe he has drawn barrier 10 in a field of 10!”

Polski Prince: “He’s and honest sprinter and this looks a nice race for him; any rain about will enhance his prospects and he has drawn well in gate three.”

The Gun: “Ran a fantastic race in his first run for a year at Muswellbrook when third at $91. It was quite a strong race as the winner [Rekindled Force] is very smart.

Drawn to You: “Honest mare who has run placings at her past two starts and should perform well once again.”

Lee’s other ride, Husonique, is for fellow Tamworth trainer Lesley Jeffriess in the feature of the afternoon, the $45,000 Coonabarabran Bowling Club Coonabarabran Cup (1600m).

Lee won on Husonique at Grafton (2200m) before again aboard when fourth to Bon Equus in a Newcastle (2330m) Benchmark 60 Handicap and the horse will appreciate the 6kg weight drop at Coonabarabran.

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