Kris Lees is likely to keep his options open with unraced two-year-old A Bridge Too Far by accepting for the colt in Saturday’s Group Two Silver Slipper Stakes.
Lees said the plan was to kick off the colt’s career in Thursday’s Kleenheat 2YO Maiden Plate (1000m) at Wyong but the youngster has come up with barrier 13 in the provincial race where Corey Brown is booked to ride.
A Bridge Too Far is unbeaten in four barrier trial appearances at provincial tracks including a 4-1/2-length winning margin in a Wyong trial last week.
“At the moment he’s running at Wyong but I’ll probably accept for the Silver Slipper as well to keep options open,” Lees said.
“Originally the plan was to run at Wyong but we’ll have to assess things now because he’s drawn 13 and there’s also a bit of uncertainty about the weather.
“We’ll probably accept tomorrow morning and then make a call tomorrow night.”
A son of Foreplay, A Bridge Too Far is among 13 nominations for the 1100m Silver Slipper which include Breeders Plate winner Pierro, Gimcrack Stakes winner Hussousa and impressive spring debut winners Meidung and Faustus.
The Newcastle-based trainer has been happy with A Bridge Too Far’s trials.
“He couldn’t do any more than what he’s shown but it is provincial barrier trial form so you’ve got to be a bit guarded,” Lees said.
“He’s impressed in what he’s done and I’ve been pleased with his work so I think he’s got the makings of a nice horse.”
Lees also has stakeswinner Uate nominated for Saturday’s Rosehill program but the trainer said the three-year-old was likely to be kept back for another two weeks.
Uate, winner of the Skyline Stakes and runner-up in the Group One Sires’ Produce Stakes last season, is nominated for the Listed Fireball Quality (1100m).
“We’ll probably keep him for the Eskimo Prince Stakes in two weeks,” Lees said.
“He may trial on Friday and wait for the Eskimo Prince.”
Lees is hoping Uate can recapture his two-year-old form this preparation.
The colt failed to fire in two spring starts which included an eighth in the Group One Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington.
