Kris Lees will look to tough campaigner Our Vegas Dream to deliver the stable some good news this week following the retirement of Absolutelyfabulous.The bonny mare, who was Group One-placed in last year's Myer Classic, was found to have injured a fetlock following her gallant third to Eagle Falls in the Salinger Stakes at Flemington on Derby Day."Because she's a six-year-old and she's been such a good mare to us the owners decided to retire her," Lees said."She won the Inglis Classic as a two-y
Kris Lees will look to tough campaigner Our Vegas Dream to deliver the stable some good news this week following the retirement of Absolutelyfabulous.
The bonny mare, who was Group One-placed in last year's Myer Classic, was found to have injured a fetlock following her gallant third to Eagle Falls in the Salinger Stakes at Flemington on Derby Day.
"Because she's a six-year-old and she's been such a good mare to us the owners decided to retire her," Lees said.
"She won the Inglis Classic as a two-year-old and performed every season at the highest level."
Absolutelyfabulous also gave Lees his first major victory at his home track of Newcastle when she won the Group Three Cameron Handicap in September.
All up she started 37 times for five wins and 13 placings and won more than $830,000 in prizemoney.
While her former stablemate Our Vegas Dream isn't in the same class, he loses nothing on the score of resilience.
The gelding has raced 13 times since March and is thriving on the work.
He has scored wins at three of his last five starts at Scone, Newcastle and Canterbury and Lees felt the time was ripe for a shot at Saturday grade.
"He's been in work longer than I'd normally have any horse in work," Lees said.
"He came into training last year.
"He's had a couple of little freshen-ups along the way and he is probably in career-best form.
"He is ready for Saturday class and it's the right time of year for him."
Our Vegas Dream has been nominated for a Benchmark 92 Hcp and a Benchmark 75 Hcp, both over 1500 metres, at Rosehill on Saturday.
Lees will run him in the latter with apprentice Kody Nestor to ride.
"There were only small numbers in the higher ratings race so we threw him in but another half-dozen horses jumped in there so we'll go back to our original plan," Lees said.
Lees also has the lightly-raced Kaunda entered for Rosehill but he will be saved for a race at Warwick Farm on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, striking filly The Opera House is back in work at Lees' stables and due to have a barrier trial at the end of the month.
One of only 17 white thoroughbreds registered with the Australian Stud Book, The Opera House is a three-quarter sister to champion Might And Power and is raced by businessman John Singleton and former star rugby league player Andrew Johns.