Protectionist Returns Tomorrow

Last year’s G1 Melbourne Cup winner Protectionist (Ger) (Monsun {Ger}) makes his first start since that victory and his first for local trainer Kris Lees in tomorrow’s G2 Peter Young S. at Caulfield. The 1800 meter event will serve as a gauge as to whether the 5-year-old import will contest the G1 Australian Cup over 2000 meters in two weeks’ time; Lees noted Protectionist will advance to that prestigious contest if he displays enough speed to be competitive over shorter distances. 

“He’s in unfamiliar ground in an 1800-meter race,” Lees told Racing and Sports. “I just want to see him hit the line to give us a bit of a guide as to where we’re going this preparation.” 
Protectionist will face a competitive field that includes Group 1 winners Happy Trails (Aus) (Good Journey) and Sonntag (Aus) (Teofilo {Ire}).