Wet Randwick forecast suits Le Romain

Trainer Kris Lees is more than happy for Le Romain to run in the Canterbury Stakes.

While the prospect of a wet Randwick track has several trainers contemplating their options this weekend, Kris Lees is more than happy for Le Romain to run in the Canterbury Stakes.

Chautauqua is the headline among the 11 nominations for Saturday’s Group One 1300m-sprint, but the weather and a tempting weight of 58kg for the Newmarket Handicap at Flemington a week later could sway connections.

Le Romain is the third favourite in early markets following his win in the Group Three Southern Cross Stakes at his first start since claiming the Group One Cantala Stakes at Flemington in October.

“He’ll definitely run,” Lees said.

“He likes the wet and it’s three weeks since his first-up run which suits him.

“It was a good win under a big weight (61kg).”

Glyn Schofield replaces the suspended Hugh Bowman on last year’s Randwick Guineas winner.

Le Romain has had four starts on rain-affected tracks for a win and three minor placings.

Chautauqua has two wins and three placings in the wet but has won 10 races and been placed six times on firm surfaces.

Doomben 10,000 winner Music Magnate, who sits between Chautauqua and Le Romain in the market has had two starts on wet tracks for a perfect score.

On Tuesday, trainer Chris Waller had still not settled on his Randwick and Flemington feature runners.

With a Group One Guineas over 1600m in both places, Waller will make the call by acceptance time.

The Walller-trained Comin’ Through is the favourite for the Randwick Guineas but remains in the Australian Guineas at Flemington ahead of Wednesday’s acceptances.

“Comin Through is a ten per cent chance to go to Melbourne,” Waller said.

“Foxplay is also a remote chance to go to the Australian Guineas.

“There are a lot of decisions to be made over the next 24 hours.”