Kris Lees won the inaugural Big Dance (1600m) in 2022, with Nash Rawiller guiding Rustic Steele to victory in the $2 million race.
On Tuesday, he added the Little Dance (1600m) to the mantlepiece, and it was Tommy Berry in the saddle this time as the flashy grey Spangler finished hard and fast to claim a one-length victory in the $750,000 Country Cup final.
The big names dominated the Little Dance, with Spangler ($7.50) too strong for the John O’Shea pair of Lion’s Roar (Jason Collett, $7) in second and Cotehole (Nash Rawiller, $3.50) in third.
Berry was tickled pink with the result and ready to dance the night away after the big win.
“I was convinced he was the horse to be on,” Berry said.
“I don’t ride a lot for Kris, but every time I do, he gives me a good ride. Hopefully, that leads to a few more.
“He travelled sweetly for me in the run. I had the favourite, Cotehele, right where I wanted him on the inside of me, so he was always in a winning position.
“He’s got such a lethal turn of foot this horse. I will be dancing, don’t worry. Get ready, Sharnee.”
The highest-placed country-trained horse in the Little Dance was Eaglemont (Chad Schofield) for Matthew Dunn, who finished sixth and three lengths off the winner.
On a big day in Sydney, up-and-coming talent and Wyong trainer Sara Ryan won the biggest race of her training career on Tuesday, with tough-as-guts galloper Attractable pirouetting to victory in the $3 million Big Dance (1600m) at Royal Randwick.
Canberra trainer Matthew Kelley also won the biggest race of his career with the ever-consistent I’ve Bean Tryin’ triumphing in the $250,000 Barn Dance (1300m).
