Newcastle trainer Kris Lees is on a Magic Millions mission with his underrated mare Rustic Melody when she starts at Randwick on Saturday.

Lees is keen to give Rustic Melody a shot at a $1 million race on Australia’s richest raceday, the $10 million Magic Millions extravaganza at the Gold Coast on January 9.

Her target is the Magic Millions Trophy (1800m) but with huge nominations Lees realises clinching a berth won’t be easy.

“Rustic Melody is probably borderline at present making the field and I would like to win another race with her beforehand,” Lees said.

“She will run on Saturday, and then again at Randwick over 1900m in a fortnight.”

Rustic Melody raced well in the autumn, especially against her own sex in the three-year-old features in Sydney and Brisbane. She didn’t finish further back than fifth in eight starts.

She has been improved by two runs over unsuitable distances since resuming, and Lees has been pleased with both of them.

She made ground late first-up when ninth to Alart over 1200m at Rosehill on October 31 and then drew the outside barrier on the smaller inner Beaumont track at Broadmeadow when a strong-finishing fourth to Lofty’s Menu over 1350m on November 21.

“Rustic Melody is in good order, and training well,” Lees said. “It’s a tough race, but she definitely has a chance at good odds.”

Apprentice Sam Clenton’s 2kg claim will lessen the mare’s weight to 58kg – 4kg above the limit.

Lees has five runners at the Randwick meeting, including Selectify (Blake Shinn), Awasita (Kerrin McEvoy) and Felines (James McDonald) - in the Benchmark 85 Handicap (1000m).

“All are resuming and have chances in what appears a pretty open race,” Lees said.

“Importantly, each of the three has won first-up.

“Felines has trialled well and has an excellent first-up record, Awasita ran some nice races last campaign and Selectify is capable of winning this if he can find his best form.”

Lees has given all three two trials to prepare them for Saturday’s resumption.

Felines beat Selectify in a 900m hitout at Cessnock on November 25 while Awasita finished fourth to Star Shaft in another 900m heat at the same session.

The consistent Olympic Academy (Sam Clenton) completes the Lees runners in the Benchmark 77 (2000m) after breaking through – albeit on protest – at the recent Canterbury night meeting.