Greg Lee sees bright future for Lightz

With Golden Slipper victories featuring among the achievements of both parents, Lightz was always going to command attention.

By 2011 Slipper winner Sepoy out of Polar Success who won in 2003, much was expected of Lightz as a two-year-old and although he failed to win as a juvenile, co-trainer Greg Lee believes he can make significant improvements at three.

“Sepoys just haven’t made two-year-olds and him being a November foal has made it worse,” Lee said.

“We got him gelded early and he’s only lost that coltishness in the last preparation. Some of them lose it quick, some of them take a little while.”

Lee, who trains with his brother Jim at Randwick, says Lightz was asked to race in black-type company prematurely last autumn, when he struggled in the Listed Lonhro Plate plus the Group Two Silver Slipper Stakes and Todman Stakes.

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Lightz was also unplaced in the Listed Heritage Stakes in September before he finally broke his maiden at Gosford.

“He wasn’t ready for it. He was too immature so we’re targeting autumn. If he’s got the ability we think he’s got we’ll chase some of those finer races,” Lee said.

Lightz takes a step in that direction when he returns from a let-up for Saturday’s ATC Membership Sprint (1000m) at Randwick.

“I think he’ll go close to winning. They’re going to go hard up front and he’s very versatile. he can do it at both ends,” Lee said.

Lee said while Lightz would continue over short courses for the time being, he envisaged he would eventually step up to 1400m and possibly beyond.

“He’s by far the best horse we’ve had for a long while. He’s pretty smart and he’s a natural,” he said.