Racing: Solid start to Cup defence

German trainer Andreas Wohler. Photo / Getty Images

Stayer Protectionist has taken a major step towards his defence of the Melbourne Cup with a barrier trial win at Newcastle.

Trained by Andreas Wohler to win the Cup last year, Protectionist remained in Australia with Kris Lees in Newcastle but failed to run a place in four autumn starts.

After his seventh in the Sydney Cup, the horse was found to have severe bone bruising and underwent a lengthy rehabilitation programme.

He showed no signs of any problem in his trial win on the Newcastle course proper yesterday, with Hugh Bowman making the trip to test him over 1200m.

"Hugh will have first go with the horse in the Chelmsford, so obviously I'm hoping he is keen to stay with him through to the Cup," Lees said.

"Protectionist worked into the trial nicely in the straight, but idled a little bit when he ranged up to them.

"Importantly, he has pulled up well, so we're ready now to go back to the races with him."

After the Chelmsford (1600m) on September 5, Protectionist will return to Randwick for the Hill Stakes (2000m) then head to Melbourne for the Herbert Power (2400m) at Caulfield on October 10.

Lees was also pleased with group one winner Lucia Valentina's fourth in her 900m trial under Brenton Avdulla.

"That was her second trial and she ran up to expectations," Lees said.

The mare is among 96 entries for the Epsom Hcp (1600m) which is worth A$1 million this year.

- AAP