Leading hoop Hugh Bowman is confident that barrier 3 with prove ideal for Le Romain’s run in Saturday’s 2016 Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) at Royal Randwick.
Le Romain will leave from barrier 3 in the Epsom Handicap on Saturday. Photo: Steve Hart
Le Romain has been a strong and consistent performer for Newcastle trainer Kris Lees throughout a short but impressive racing career so far, undoubtedly highlighted by an impressive win in the Group 1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) in March this year.
Bowman is thrilled to have picked up the ride on the Hard Spun gelding in the Epsom Handicap 2016 and believes that the race should pan out in the horse’s favour from the inside draw on Saturday.
“I won’t need luck getting a nice position so that makes my job a bit easier,” Bowman told AAP.
“I should get a nice run and his form is certainly consistent this time in.
“With the way Fabrizio won the other day I expect a pretty genuine speed so everyone should get their chance.”
Le Romain has produced three career wins and a further seven minors through eleven competitive starts since making his debut in September last year.
Capping his first campaign second behind Hellbent in the Ranvet BM67 (1200m) on September 30th 2015, Le Romain returned in January this year for a comfortable win in the Schweppes Quality (1000m) at Randwick.
Making a strong transition to black type company when second behind Spill The Beans in the Group 3 Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m) on February 6th, Le Romain ran a strong second behind champion colt Press Statement in the Group 2 Hobartville Stakes (1400m), before turning the tables in the Randwick Guineas.
Having returned to the paddock after failing to fire and seventh in the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m), Le Romain has finished second in each of the Group 3 Show County Quality (1200m), Group 2 Tramway Stakes (1400m) and Group 3 Cameron Handicap (1350m) this time in.
Charged with carrying only 55.5kgs, Le Romain is currently available at 2016 Epsom Handicap odds of $13 with Ladbrokes Australia.
