Le Romain will run in the $1 million The Hunter in two weeks after making an encouraging return at Rosehill on a day of mixed fortunes in major races for the Kris Lees stable.
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After two disappointing runs this preparation, the seven-year-old gelding came back from a short let-up to finish third in the $1 million Redzel Stakes (1300m), a length behind winner Pierata.
The strong finish under Newcastle jockey Aaron Bullock paved the way for Le Romain to race on to the inaugural The Hunter at Lees' home track of Newcastle on November 16.
The 1300m race will headline Newcastle's standalone metropolitan meeting which will also feature the Max Lees Classic (900m) for two-year-olds and the group 3 Spring Stakes (1600m).
"It was good to see him get back to some form," Lees said of his three-time group 1 winner's effort on Saturday.
"I was really pleased with the run. Aaron gave him his chance and he ran well."
Stablemate Graff is also on target for The Hunter.
However, the future of another Lees-trained group race winner is uncertain.
Gem Song finished last in the $7.5 million Golden Eagle (1500m) at Rosehill after pulling up lame down the straight. Examinations found the Gooree Stud horse was three-fifths lame in the off foreleg.
Lees said the two-time group 3 winner would have tests on Monday to determine the extent of the injury.
"We'll get to the bottom of the problem," Lees said.
"He was three-fifths lame but he was comfortable so we'll get it sorted on Monday."
Turnberry was close to a win for Lees and jockey Sammie Clenton at Rosehill. The five-year-old was third in a photo-finish after a bold front-running effort in the benchmark 88 (1500m).
