Last year's G1 Melbourne Cup winner Protectionist (Ger) (Monsun {Ger}) won a Newcastle barrier trial yesterday in preparation for an Australian autumn campaign that is expected to include the G1 Australian Cup Mar. 14. Traveling last about five lengths off the lead through the opening stages of the 1200 meter heat under jockey Hugh Bowman, Protectionist ranged up four-wide coming off the turn and found the wire three-quarters of a length in front with minimal urging (video).
Protectionist won the Melbourne Cup for Narola Stables and Australian Bloodstock and German trainer Andreas Wohler, but the 5-year-old is now under the care of Australian trainer Kris Lees, who said the dark bay will target the G2 Peter Young S. at Caulfield Feb. 28 for his first start since the Cup.
“Very happy with how he performed and Hugh said he gave him a good feel,” Lees told Racing and Sports. “I'll keep an eye on the weather, but at this stage the horse is going to Melbourne for the Peter Young S. and Australian Cup. He may have an exhibition gallop before we send him south about a week before his first race.”
The 2013 Melbourne Cup winner Fiorente (Ire) (Monsun {Ger}) last year recorded the Peter Young/Australian Cup double.
Bowman partnered another Australian Bloodstock colorbearer for Lees in a later trial–the 4-year-old filly Lucia Valentina (NZ) (Savabeel {Aus}), winner of last year's G1 Turnbull S. and G1 Vinery Stud S. Lucia Valentina was not pushed to be fifth in her 900 meter trial, and Lees was pleased with the effort, saying she will resume in next Saturday's G2 Apollo S. with a long-term goal of the G1 Queen Elizabeth S. at The Championships Apr. 11.
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