Kris Lees will kick off Adelaide River’s spring in the Captivant @ Kia Ora Handicap (1400m) at Rosehill on Saturday, his first start since last year’s Group 1 Caulfield Stakes (2000m).

The 2023 Irish Derby placegetter has impressed in three recent trial wins, though Lees concedes the trip is short of his best.

“It’s not the right trip for him but he needs a day out. He’ll run well and he could easily surprise,” Lees said.

Now a gelding, Adelaide River is being aimed at middle-distance and staying features later in the spring.

Lees also saddles Wisnierska in the Asahi Super Dry Handicap (1300m), expecting improvement second-up after her late-closing first-up run, and Cloudland in the final event on the Rosehill card.