Jockey Ashley Morgan is set to team up with leading Newcastle trainer Kris Lees at Port Macquarie this Tuesday, with a pair of strong contenders poised to make their mark. Lees, who has a total of five runners across the day’s card, has entrusted Morgan with the reins on what appear to be his most promising prospects: Crathie Kirk in the BNCC Thanks Nardi Beresford F&M Class 1 Handicap over 1200 metres, and Excessor in the Chris Cousens C, G & E Class 1 Handicap, also set to run over 1200 metres.
Crathie Kirk: A Promising Filly Ready to Resume
Crathie Kirk, a daughter of the sire Ole Kirk, has had a relatively light racing career thus far, with only three starts to her name. Notably, she was scratched from a scheduled run at Beaumont on Monday to be saved for this Port Macquarie assignment. Trainer Kris Lees is optimistic about her chances, describing her as a “progressive filly that has performed well in each of her runs.”
Lees elaborated on her previous performances, highlighting her debut fourth at Hawkesbury as a solid showing. This was followed by a respectable third-place finish at Muswellbrook, before she broke through for a stylish victory at Scone, demonstrating a strong finishing kick over 1400 metres.
While Crathie Kirk hasn’t raced since November, Lees has kept her ticking over with two barrier trials to ensure she’s primed for her return. “Her latest trial was at Wyong on March 5, and she ran third in that and is nice and fresh for Tuesday,” Lees commented. He anticipates a strong performance, acknowledging that while she has drawn an awkward gate, her inherent class should allow her to overcome the challenge.
Excessor: Another Last-Start Winner in Form
Excessor, another charge from the Kris Lees stable, is also coming off a recent victory. This Exceedance gelding broke his maiden at Tamworth earlier this month in just his second career start. Lees is equally positive about this galloper’s prospects.
“He’s a nice horse as well,” Lees stated. He recalled Excessor’s debut run at Tamworth, which he deemed “very good” despite finishing sixth, as he was beaten by less than a length. His subsequent win at the same track was described as a “strong win,” indicating the gelding is on an upward trajectory.
“He’s also heading in the right direction and should be in the firing line again at Port Macquarie,” Lees predicted.
Lees’ Other Runners on the Day
Beyond Crathie Kirk and Excessor, Kris Lees will also be represented by other runners on Tuesday’s Port Macquarie program. The day will commence with Hellavalegacy contesting the Janice Walker Maide Plate over 1000 metres, with Andrew Gibbons booked for the ride. Later in the card, Lees will saddle two runners in the Cousens Honour Maiden Plate over 1500 metres. Apprentice jockey Shannen Llewellyn will partner Varius, while Andrew Gibbons is set to ride Power Cruise. These additional runners highlight the depth of talent Lees is bringing to the Port Macquarie meeting.
