Le Romain on the trail of another turf giant
HE has already knocked off the world’s top-rated sprinter, now he is after the world’s best racehorse.
Le Romain, racing’s giantkiller who is never beaten in a photo-finish, could claim both scalps when he takes on Winx and Chautauqua in the $1 million George Ryder Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill today.
Champion Winx has been unbeatable for nearly two years and is hot favourite at $1.18 with UBET to record her 16th consecutive win in the Ryder Stakes.
But reputations mean nothing to Le Romain who goes into the Ryder after beating Chautauqua, the best sprinter in the world for the past two years, in a thrilling Canterbury Stakes two weeks.
Trainer Kris Lees said Le Romain ($11) would go to Rosehill at the peak of form and fitness as he attempts a fourth Group 1 win that would take the gelding’s career earnings over $2 million.
“Winx is a great mare but you can only worry about your own horse,’’ Lees said. “Le Romain has come on the right way since his last-start win, he is ready for the 1500m and he loves heavy tracks.’’
Lees said Le Romain had a tremendous will to win as he showed when warding off Chautauqua in heavy going at Randwick last start.
“Le Romain is a fighter, my word he is,’’ Lees said. “I don’t think he has ever been beaten in a photo.’’
FELL Swoop has overcome his Oakleigh Plate ordeal and is poised to finally secure a deserved Group 1 success in the The Galaxy (1100m) today.
Canberra trainer Matthew Dale warned punters not to use Fell Swoop’s first-up sixth in the Oakleigh Plate as a form reference as nothing went right for his sprinter.
“He knuckled over at the start then he galloped on himself; it was game over in two strides,’’ Dale said.
“After the race we found he had a bruised heel so it ruled him out of the Newmarket Handicap as it put me a couple of days behind where I had anticipated being with him.
“I didn’t want to rush him and the extra week into The Galaxy has been perfect. He has recovered well.’’