Spring Cups contender Luncies heading to Coffs Harbour for Cup

Kris Lees only has one entry for this year’s big spring features and on Thursday Luncies will start his campaign in the $200,000 Coffs Harbour Cup (1605m).

Lees is without his stable star Mugatoo for the spring after suffering a tendon injury in the Group 1 Doomben Cup, but he believes Luncies could be a ready-made replacement.

The imported galloper is the trainer’s only entry for the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups and Cox Plate.

“A lot of water has to flow under the bridge before we start talking about those sorts of races for him but you have to enter them,” Lees said.

“I’m thinking he might be a Newcastle Cup type of horse.

“If he could win a race like that then you’re in play for something like a Caulfield Cup.”

Luncies is a dual acceptor in the coming days.

The imported gelding is at $3.90 with TAB fixed odds for the rich Coffs Harbour Cup while he’s also entered for the Bill Camer Benchmark 78 Handicap (1500m) at Saturday’s Randwick meeting.

Luncies trainer Kris Lees expects big things from the imported galloper this spring. Picture Getty ImagesSource:Getty Images

“We’ll go to Coffs unless it was to pour down with rain overnight,” Lees said.

“He’s only got 59 up there compared with the 62.5kg on Saturday.

“I am wary he might be half a run short. He took a run last prep.

“We’re still learning about him. and I want to get him going.

“I liked his second trial and I’ve been really happy with his work since.

“I’m sure he’s going to run well. It’s just a matter of how well.

“I just sense he might be a bit vulnerable late at a mile.”

Jeff Penza takes the ride aboard Luncies while the stablemate Itz Lily will be ridden by Alysha Collett, the equal $5 second favourite with the John O’Shea-trained Opacity.

“I think she’ll take some beating,” Lees said.

“She’s going well and she runs for Alysha Collett.

“She’ll give a really good sight.”

Originally published asCups entry heading to Coffs Harbour Cup

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