Trial kicks off Le Romain’s climb to Everest
LE Romain’s bid to gain a slot in The Everest begins on Wednesday when he steps out publicly for the first time this winter at the Wyong trials.
The three-time Group 1 winner boasts a 1300m Randwick victory over champion sprinter Chautauqua in the Canterbury Stakes back in March and Newcastle trainer Kris Lees yesterday confirmed Le Romain was one of about 25 horses to throw their hat into the ring for the Australian Turf Club’s Everest slot.
Lees said Le Romain would probably trial at Wyong on Wednesday “and then trial again a couple of weeks later with a view of resuming in the Missile Stakes in about five weeks”.
“He will kick off a little earlier in the Missile Stakes and then go to Melbourne for the Memsie which is three weeks later and weight-for-age over 1400m at Caulfield is an ideal option for him,” Lees said.
“Then if he anyone wanted to put him in the Everest we would certainly consider it and I think that would be a nice platform for a race like that.
“He beat Chautauqua at weight-for-age at Randwick over 1300m (earlier this year) and you know want Sydney weather is like.
“If we have a wet October (it would certainly help him).”
Le Romain has been one of those horses that hasn’t received the accolades he deserves so far.
And even if he doesn’t gain an Everest slot, Lees is confident the rising five-year-old is in for a big spring.
“If he hasn’t got that (Everest) option we may even go on to a Makybe Diva and back for the Epsom,” Lees said.
“I just find sometimes those (early spring) Melbourne races you take on a few of those stayers resuming and around Caulfield (in the Memsie) he will be well suited.”
Chautauqua, Golden Slipper winner She Will Reign, Magic Millions victor Houtzen and Fell Swoop are the four horses already locked in for the inaugural running of the $10 million Everest (1200m) at Randwick on October 14.