Le Romain chases another G1 win

Le Romain (right) returns to Flemington where he won the Group One Cantala Stakes.

Le Romain is no stranger to toppling more fancied runners at Group One level and will chase another elite-level win when he returns to Flemington for the Makybe Diva Stakes.

The Kris Lees-trained Le Romain has won three Group One races, including last year’s Cantala Stakes at Flemington, and each time he did not start favourite.

To be ridden by Ben Melham, Le Romain is at $9 for Saturday’s Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) behind Hartnell ($1.85 fav) and multiple Group One winner Black Heart Bart ($5.50) ahead of acceptances on Wednesday.

The gelding will be third-up after a recent fifth in the Group One Memsie Stakes (1400m) which was dominated by Vega Magic who led all the way.

“The barrier draws had such a big bearing,” Lees said.

“When Charmed Harmony came out they all found their positions early and that’s where they finished.

“He had good sectionals and when you’re racing that quality of horse, pace of the race is vital.

“But he’s in good order.”

Lees said Le Romain, who was also entered for the George Main Stakes in Sydney, had come through the Memsie well and was ready for the distance at Flemington.

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“He had a solid gallop this morning (Tuesday) at Caulfield and I’m pretty happy with where he’s at,” Lees said.

“He had a month between runs going into the Memsie and he came through it the right way and has trained on well.

“He’s a horse who often races well deep into his preparation. He’s a pretty tough gelding so I think he should be racing up to his best.”

Le Romain’s only previous start at Flemington was last spring’s Cantala Stakes (1600m) but Lees expects a stiffer test on Saturday at weight-for-age.

The entries include 14 Group One winners.

“It looks a pretty competitive race but I think he’s up to that grade,” Lees said.

“I thought Hartnell was terrific first-up. Black Heart Bart is such an honest campaigner. Hey Doc was good the other day. It’s a good race, and deservedly so.”

Lees is yet to lock in spring plans for Le Romain.

“We’ll get through Saturday and decide which way we’re going,” he said.

The gelding is one of five horses short-listed for the Australian Turf Club’s slot in The Everest (1200m) on October 14 while the Epsom Handicap two weeks earlier is another option.