Kris Lees chases second Bat Out Of Hell win with Guard Of Honour and second Harley Davidson
Kris Lees did a deal with a friend for the Harley Davidson he won at last year’s Bat Out Of Hell with Guard Of Honour but says he will have to consider getting his motorbike license should he win a second bike this week. Lees also reveals his plans for the Hollindale Stakes.
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KRIS Lees did a deal with a friend for the Harley Davidson he won at last year’s Bat Out Of Hell with Guard Of Honour but says he will have to consider getting his motorbike license should he win a second bike this week.
Guard Of Honour will return to defend his title in the 900m on Saturday at the Gold Coast Turf Club for one of the country’s leading trainers.
A Harley Davidson, valued at around $20,000, will be up for grabs again this year to the trainer who takes out the race on one of the biggest days in Gold Coast racing.
A friend of Lees was the big winner of his 2018 win but the Newcastle-based trainer, who operates a satellite stable on the Gold Coast, said he wouldn’t be so quick to let a second bike go should he be lucky enough to win.
“A good mate wanted the bike last year so I did a deal with him for it,” Lees said.
“If I get this one I might have to get my license this time.”
Lees said Guard Of Honour was in good condition leading into the race after placing second behind Group 1 winner From Within at Eagle Farm in his last start on April 13.
“He is looking good but he probably doesn’t want the rain to come,” Lees said.
“The horse is in good order and he ran well last start.”
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Lees had the early favourite for the Group 2 Hollindale Stakes but said the colt would likely skip the race as he prepares for the Group 1 Doomben Cup (2000m) a fortnight later.
“He ran Saturday and we only put in the nomination as we considered backing him up,” Lees said.
“Hallelujah Boy will still run and he is looking good.”
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