Trainer Kris Lees is set to launch the spring campaign of Adelaide River at Rosehill, with the Irish Derby placegetter returning from a long spell. While Saturday’s race is not his grand final, Lees is eager to see the six-year-old back in action.

Adelaide River has not raced since finishing fourth in the Caulfield Stakes (2000m) last October. It was his fifth start for Lees after transferring from Aidan O’Brien’s stable, where he was a three-time Group 1 placegetter in Europe.

Although his strongest performances have been over middle and staying distances, Lees believes the Captivant @ Kia Ora Handicap (1400m) will serve as a good launchpad. The gelding has been sharp enough to win his last three barrier trials, suggesting he could perform well fresh.

“I’m keen to get him to the races,” Lees said.

“It’s not the right trip for him but he needs a day out. He’ll run well and he could easily surprise.”

This marks Adelaide River’s third preparation with Lees, having had two starts last winter and a mixed spring in 2024, highlighted by a close fourth to Buckaroo in the Chelmsford Stakes (1600m).

The gelding operation over the break, Lees hopes, will bring greater consistency.

“It’s his first run back as a gelding,” he said.

“He was a big, heavy horse and he was mixing his form a little bit last preparation so it was the right time to do that.”

Lees will also saddle three-year-old Wisnierska in the Asahi Super Dry Handicap (1300m) and Cloudland in the final race. Wisnierska was doing her best work late when placing behind Rosebud contender Nashville first-up and should benefit from the extra 200m.

“She mixed it with a couple of handy enough horses (at two). She was good first time out and with that run under her belt, she should run well,” Lees said.

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