Dual stakes winner Infancy is awaiting a potential start in the $2 million The Invitation at Randwick, a race that could enhance her career profile before she embarks on her broodmare duties.
The six-year-old mare was recently served by young stallion Anamoe. Trainer Kris Lees believes she has the potential to add to her racing record and prizemoney before her next chapter.
Lees hopes for confirmation early this week that Infancy has secured a spot in The Invitation (1400m) next Saturday. He has observed that many mares perform well when racing while in foal.
‘She’s had a little freshen-up where she went to a stallion, being Anamoe, and she’s still positive,’ Lees said. ‘The majority race better (in foal). Some have an adverse effect, but there’s no suggestion of that.’
Infancy has a strong record at Randwick, having achieved her two black-type wins there: the 2024 Fireball Quality (1100m) and last year’s Group 2 Sapphire Stakes (1200m). Lees is keen to have her race at this track again.
She proved competitive at the highest level when placing sixth in the Group 1 Tattersall’s Tiara (1400m) at Eagle Farm in June. Since then, she has had two encouraging runs, the most recent being a closing fourth in the Tibbie Stakes (1400m) at her home track in Newcastle.
‘She went to Brisbane and had a couple of runs over the winter and came back, so she hasn’t really spelled. I’ve kept her in light work and raced her sparingly,’ he explained. ‘She ran really well in the Tibbie. They walked and she charged home.’
‘It will be five weeks into the Invitation with a trial,’ Lees added. ‘Her win record isn’t great because she is a backmarker, but she’s raced at a high grade, she’s a dual stakes winner, and has had numerous bad luck stories, as those style of horses do. All her best runs have been at Randwick, and any rain won’t hurt her.’
Dylan Gibbons is on standby to ride Infancy, who could join a select field in the invitation-only race. Nine runners are already confirmed, including Group 1 winners Lazzura and Idle Flyer, and Nivison victor Gerringong.
Lees also confirmed that Golden Rose placegetter Under Focus is being targeted for the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on October 31 and is likely to trial down the straight on Friday.
For those considering betting on Infancy in The Invitation, checking the latest betting markets for the race at Australian betting sites is recommended.