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By John Schell

Local trainer Kris Lees heads to Newcastle on Tuesday with three strong chances engaged to go around at a meeting that has six races on the card.

Lees will have two runners in the Australian Bloodstock colours with Denuto contesting the Dailey Family Funerals Maiden Plate (1250m) with Benjamin Osmond taking the ride, and Thursain in the Horsepower Feeds & Supplements Provincial Maiden Plate (1400m) with Andrew Gibbons in the saddle.

Trainer Kris Lees (Pic: Steve Hart)

The other runner for Lees on the day is Oakfield Prince in The Windsor Castle, Happy 50th Kim 5YO&Up Benchmark 64 Handicap (1500m). Aaron Bullock has been booked for that ride.

Denuto lines up in its event on the back of two barrier trials leading into its first race start.

The son of So You Think finished second in the latest trial at Wyong when beaten just over half a length.

“He’s a horse that’s shown us enough in his trials to suggest he can run well on Tuesday,” said Lees.

“The 1250m looks to be a nice starting point for him and he should be hitting the line well.”

Thursain is a three-year-old filly by Zousain and she has finished fourth in each of her four race starts, with Gibbons being in the saddle every time.

“Thursain has run well every time we’ve stepped her out,” Lees said.

“She’s had the three starts back from a spell now and has been doing her best work late in each of them.

“She’s up to the 1400m which looks to be in her favour and the bigger track at Newcastle should suit her as opposed to her last couple of starts at Port Macquarie and Taree.”

Oakfield Prince has the advantage of barrier one in its event, with the gelding, also by So You Think, coming into the race having finished fourth behind Hinchinjive at Newcastle on February 1.

“He’s a talented horse with a solid enough record,” said Lees.

“He was a Wyong winner last November and was then placed in a couple more runs. His three runs since then have been sound and he looks to get his chance from the inside gate.”

All the fields, form and replays for Tuesday's Newcastle meeting