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Lees Applies Blinkers To Sharpen Up City Runners

Blinkers go on stablemates Bochy ($15 on TAB fixed odds) and Upscale ($13) for different reasons for their Rosehill Gardens assignments on Saturday.

Bochy runs in the Benchmark 78 Handicap (1800m) and Upscale contests the Benchmark 81 Handicap (1100m). Jason Collett will ride the pair.

Bochy (Aaron Bullock) following his Muswellbrook win. Image by Bradley Photographers

Kris Lees made the move because Bochy is coming back slightly in distance, whilst he is hoping the additional gear will switch Upscale on at only her second run in nearly 12 months.

Bochy carried 61kg to victory in a Benchmark 65 Handicap (1500m) on June 17 before going to town and finishing third in a 1900m Benchmark 75 Handicap at Canterbury on July 4.

“I just felt putting blinkers on him might help as he is coming back 100m and he’s going to Saturday grade as well,” Lees said.

“Bochy is in good order and this obviously will be his biggest test so far.”

Upscale resumed from a long break when sixth to Victorian visitor Gala Moshea in a Benchmark 80 Handicap (1100m) at Rosehill Gardens on June 30.

“Even though I knew she would take benefit from the run, I felt she was a bit plain all the same,” Lees said. “She is fitter and hopefully the blinkers will switch her on.”

Upscale has won twice from five starts at Rosehill. Both she and Bochy have drawn awkwardly and the rail is 6m out.

Reach For Heaven (Collett, $7) is another drawn awkwardly and resumes in the Benchmark 80 Handicap (1200m).

“He has won first-up before, and has had a good grounding for his resumption. His trials have been okay without flattering. I’m not going overboard about his first-up prospects but he’s definitely capable enough if the race sets up right for him.”

Lees also starts Danish Twist (apprentice Sam Weatherley, $26) in the $150,000 Listed Winter Stakes (1400m) and Olympic Academy (Kathy O’Hara, $41) in the Benchmark 85 Handicap (1500m).

“This will probably be Danish Twist’s last run before she is retired to stud,” Lees said. “She hasn’t won for two years, but we know she has the ability. We’re hoping she can go out on a winning note.

“Olympic Academy hasn’t won first-up previously and though well drawn, is likely to need this outing.”

Lees intends to spell Wednesday’s Grafton Guineas (1600m) winner Turnberry, whilst Tuesday’s impressive Newcastle debut winner The Tenor is likely to be tested in town at his next appearance.

“Turnberry freshened up nicely from the Queensland Derby, and Corey Brown gave him an outstanding ride from a wide draw,” Lees said. “I’m looking at running The Tenor in the Rosebud Prelude (1000m) at Randwick on Saturday week.”

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

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