Big things expected of European import Ventura Ocean this preparation

Kris Lees believes the future is bright for his imported galloper Ventura Ocean which kicks off his spring preparation in the Quayclean Benchmark 88 Handicap (1300m) at Rosehill.

The Northern Hemisphere-bred five-year-old is set to launch his second Australian campaign after making a flawless start to his racing career Down Under winning his only two starts at Eagle Farm.

“He did a nice job in his first preparation albeit in softer Brisbane grade than the race he finds himself in on Saturday,” Lees said.

“He spelled well up in Queensland. He had a good break and he’s returned to us in good order.”

Ventura Ocean has been readied for his return with two barrier trials, the first at Gosford and more recently at Scone.

Lees had the son of Raven’s Pass ready to go a fortnight ago at Randwick but rain leading up to the meeting and a heavy rated track resulted in the Newcastle-based trainer putting his prospect on ice until finding his preferred drying conditions.

Brenton Avdulla has the steering duties aboard Ventura Ocean on Saturday. Photo: Mark Evans – Getty Images.Source:Getty Images

“I think he’s a very nice horse,” Lees said. “He’s looked the part in a couple of trials without being put under any real pressure.

“He’s a progressive horse and he’s done his share of work since his last trial about five weeks ago.

“I had him ready to go two weeks ago but I didn’t want to run him on heavy ground first-up so we’ve bided our time and conditions look suitable for him on Saturday.

“I think he’s come back a better horse this time.

“He’s a horse I think has a bit of room to move in the handicaps so I’m keen to get him going to find out where he fits.”

Ventura Ocean will be ridden on Saturday by Brenton Avdulla and is rated a $6.50 chance with TAB Fixed Odds.

Originally published asImport set to continue on his winning way in Oz

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