Le Romain has already risen to the occasion once this autumn and trainer Kris Lees is upbeat the gelding can do it again.
Le Romain upset Press Statement in the Group One Randwick Guineas last start and Lees has decided to give the three-year-old a shot at Saturday’s Group One Rosehill Guineas.
Le Romain
“I thought the George Ryder Stakes looks a very strong race and the other alternative was to go four weeks to the Doncaster and again take on the older horses,” Lees said.
“I thought the opportunity to race the three-year-olds and test him at this trip was too inviting.”
After winning over 1000m at Randwick in January first-up, Le Romain followed it up with seconds in the Eskimo Prince Stakes and Hobartville Stakes before holding off Press Statement in the Randwick Guineas.
“He probably just keeps surprising us in some ways,” Lees said.
And the trainer says there’s no signs to suggest the son of Hard Spun is coming towards the end of his campaign.
“I suppose there’s just a risk the distance but he’s probably been on trial at the trip in his last two,” he said.
“I’m pretty confident he’ll run it.
“He’s a really laidback horse. He’s been very relaxed in his trackwork so all the signs are that he’ll run it.”
Victoria Derby winner Tarzino is the $2.40 favourite with Le Romain at $7.
“I think my bloke will run very well,” Lees said.
The Doncaster Mile, where Le Romain has 49kg, is an option after the Guineas.
