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Melbourne Cup winner Protectionist will have his final Sydney start this spring at Randwick on Saturday before heading south with a Caulfield Cup start now on his agenda.

Trainer Kris Lees confirmed that Protectionist will line up on Saturday in the $500,000 George Main Stakes (1600m), with Christian Reith to again take the mount.

Lees has two Melbourne outings planned for the former German horse leading up to the $6 million Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on November 3.

Protectionist showed his staying qualities when he relished the fast pace and romped home in last year’s Cup, clocking the fastest time (3:17.71) since another overseas stayer Media Puzzle clocked 3:16.87 in his 2002 victory.

Lees is pleased with Protectionist’s progress since he resumed in the Tramway Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on September 5 when Reith partnered him for the first time.

“After Saturday’s race, the horse will go to Melbourne and run in the Turnbull Stakes and Caulfield Cup leading into the Melbourne Cup,” Lees said.

The $500,000 Turnbull (2000m) – which stablemate Lucia Valentina won last year – will be run at Flemington on October 4 followed by the $3 million Caulfield Cup (2400m) on October 17.

Both Protectionist and Lucia Valentina worked at Broadmeadow on Tuesday morning.

Lucia Valentina will also be an acceptor for the George Main Stakes but Lees is holding off on a start for the mare, waiting to see if the forecast rain eventuates later in the week.

Brenton Avdulla will ride her if she runs in the George Main. Otherwise, the mare will head to Melbourne for the $400,000 Underwood Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield on Saturday week.

Lees will have a relatively light representation in the feature races at Friday’s Newcastle Cup meeting.

He will accept with Oriental Lady (Avdulla) in the $175,000 Newcastle Gold Cup (2300m) and is also considering a start for Rio Perdido.

Stablemate Glorious Sinndar, guaranteed a Cup start courtesy of his last start Broadmeadow victory, is likely to be kept for a restricted race at Warwick Farm next Wednesday.

Marple Miss (Avdulla) will contest the $125,000 Tibbie Stakes (1400m), which Lees won last year with Fine Bubbles.

He will not have a runner in either the $125,000 Cameron Handicap (1500m) or $125,000 Spring Stakes (1600m).