Last year's G1 Melbourne Cup winner Protectionist (Ger) (Monsun {Ger}) is pleasing connections in his preparation to defend his crown at Flemington in November. Trainer Kris Lees has penciled in the G2 Chelmsford S. at Randwick next month as a starting point for the 6-year-old following a racecourse workout at Newcastle on Tuesday.
Speaking to Sky Thoroughbred Central Lees said, “We just wanted to bring him for a day out. He's only had one trial so we just wanted to get him in a bit of a race day environment.”
Lees had a frustrating time with Protectionist following his win in the Melbourne Cup for German trainer Andreas Wohler. Having failed to reach the placing's in four runs, the entire was found to be suffering from bone bruising, something Lees feels the horse has fully recovered from.
“Physically he seems fine, though after every gallop we're very cautious.” added the trainer.
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