Changingoftheguard may be considered one of the outsiders for Tuesday’s $10 million Melbourne Cup, but simply making the final field is a significant milestone for Kris Lees.

The Newcastle-based trainer will saddle up his first Melbourne Cup runner for the race’s most prolific owner, Lloyd Williams.

Williams is among the large ownership group behind the imported stayer, who will step out in his renowned navy blue and white silks as he attempts to deliver an eighth Cup triumph to the legendary owner.

Lees first took on horses for Williams several seasons ago when Williams moved away from operating with a private trainer. He came close to having his first Cup runner for him in 2023 with Cleveland, before that horse was withdrawn the day before the race.

“Two years ago we were scratched the day before with Cleveland, who got crook on the Sunday,” Lees said.

“It’s an honour to be training his horses, but to have one in the Cup and those colours is very special.

“They’ve got a lot of history behind them and I’m very respectful of the history and very respectful of the team.”

Should Changingoftheguard triumph, Lees would become the sixth trainer to prepare a Melbourne Cup winner for Williams. Williams’ first came with Just A Dash, trained by Tommy Smith in 1981.

John Meagher won the race with What A Nuisance (1985), Graeme Rogerson legged up Efficient in 2007, Robert Hickmott prepared Green Moon (2012) and Almandin (2016), while Joseph O’Brien trained Rekindling (2017) and Twilight Payment (2020).

Unlike most of Williams’ Cup heroes, Changingoftheguard enters the race at long odds, currently rated a $61 chance. Lees, however, believes there are excuses for his last outing when sixth under topweight in the Geelong Cup.

“He just really struggled on what was a ‘gluey’ track at Geelong with a 60 kilos,” Lees said.

“I’m really pleased with his work. He’s had a good foundation, he’s been up since June, and I think he’s in good order.

“In a proper run two-mile race with no weight and a good on speed jockey, I think he’ll run a bold race.”

Changingoftheguard will drop to 53kg for the Cup and will begin from the outside barrier in the 24-horse field, with Tim Clark taking the ride.

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