Le Romain back for more Melbourne money in Memsie Stakes

Brad Waters - Tuesday August 29

Le Romain's last Melbourne raid proved lucrative and the triple Group I winner is ready for Saturday's $1 million Memsie Stakes (1400m) after a spin around the Caulfield circuit on Tuesday morning.

Advertisement
Le Romain scored a big payday at his last visit to Melbourne. Photo: Darryl Sherer

Le Romain won the Group I Cantala Stakes (1600m) at Flemington in November last year at his only previous Victorian outing but the Memsie Stakes is the only run locked into the gelding's program at this stage.

Memsie Stakes rider Ben Melham piloted Le Romain in his gallop over 1000m, with Lees timing the son of Hard Spun to run home his last 600min in 38.5 seconds to top him off for his first race at Caulfield.

"He worked well this morning and arrived down in good order," Lees said. "He's come on really well from the encouraging first-up run so he's ready for 1400m.

"He handled the track well and I think he profiles like a Caulfield horse if there is such a thing."

Le Romain started odds-on but finished 1 ¼ lengths from Invincible Gem when he resumed in the Group II Missile Stakes (1200) at Randwick on August 5 but Lees also trialled the five-year-old at Randwick after his first-up run.

Lees said the trial brought Le Romain along for the Memsie Stakes but the Newcastle trainer said the locals could provide tough opposition for the winner of more than $2.29 million in stakes.

"He finds a hot race and barrier draws will be important," Lees said.

"He has had a trial in between and a couple of nice gallops. He needed the run first up and he had a tougher run than the winner.

"I thought Vega Magic was very good the other day and looked one of the horses to beat and Weiry's horse Black Heart Bart will be hard to beat."

However, Lees could face a task after the Memsie Stakes if "sniffs" around the horse for a berth in The Everest produce a spot in the $10 million event on October 14.

Lees said the Group I Makybe Diva Stakes over the Flemington 1600m course looked a good race for Le Romain but he had enough time to alter the horse's programme if an Everest spot became available.

"I can understand they are all keeping their powder dry and waiting but there is still a bit of time (until) October 14 so there's still time to freshen him up for 1200(m) if we head that way," Lees said.

"He could still go to the Makybe Diva possibly but if he gained a slot in the next week or so, I'd probably take him and give him one more run at home.

"If he got a wet track, he'd be right in the race and he beat Chautauqua over 1300m at weight-for-age."


Advertisment
More Reading...
Exciting Farnan Colt Wins for Mulberry Racing
A standout in the mounting yard on type at Randwick on Saturday, Farnan colt Nashville Jack has also been an eye-catcher at the recent trials in Sydney and he delivered on potential when resuming from a spell with a stylish win.
Consecutive Black Type Victories For Snitzel Filly Bridal Waltz
Stepping up to open company is always a tough task, but 3yo Snitzel filly Bridal Waltz graduated from a last start Listed win over her own age to win the $200,000 Group 3 MRC Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield.
Unbeaten Run Continues For Ole Kirk’s Daughter Ole Dancer
Successful in the Magic Millions SA 2YO Classic at Murray Bridge on debut back in March, the Peter Moody and Katherine Colemen trained filly Ole Dancer resumed at Sandown on Saturday, winning the Senet Gambling Law Experts Handicap (1200m) to remain unbeaten.
One to Watch Wins Again in Saturday Class
The half-brother to Group II winner Stretan Angel, lightly raced three year-old Brutal gelding Glorious Moments was in a class of his own at Randwick on Saturday.
Winning Hat-Trick for Gold Standard 2YO
When an unheralded sire produces a Group I winner in their first crop as happened for Sebring stallion Gold Standard it can take a long time for the benefit of that early splash to take effect, but in his case the wait is nearly over and in the meantime Destiny’s Summit is a good reminder as to his merit.
Hello Youmzain Filly Wins NZ Last Stakes Race of Season
Talented juvenile filly Platinum Diamond made all posts a winner when she captured her second consecutive stakes victory in the last black type feature of the 2024-2025 racing season, the Listed Phils Electrical & Gypsy Caravans Ryder Stakes (1200m) at Otaki.
Season Finale Flourish for So You Think
Coolmore stalwart So You Think is powering to the end of the Australian racing season with a six winner flurry on Saturday highlighted by a winning treble at Randwick led by his progressive mare Oh Diamond Lil.
St Mark’s Basilica Filly Impressive at Ascot
Due back at Coolmore Australia this spring, St Mark’s Basilica (Fr) had an impressive new winner overnight at Ascot in the UK where Princess Petrol stormed to victory.
Sires With Winners - Saturday July 26
Here is the full list of 86 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
First SW For So You Think Stallion Tamasa As Cicala Takes Out Lightning
One of just three named foals by the So You Think stallion Tamasa, the Will Clarken and Niki O’Shea trained 3yo filly Cicala remained unbeaten, going three from three by winning the $120,000 Listed SAJC Lightning Stakes (1050m) at Morphettville.