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Another barrier trial awaits triple Group One winner Le Romain before trainer Kris Lees locks the 6YO into the opening race of his autumn campaign.

Le Romain trialled at Wyong last Wednesday, his first hit-out since he just missed out on a fourth G1 win when a close second to Best Of Days in the Cantala Stakes at Flemington on November 3.

He wasn’t asked for serious work in the Wyong trial over 845m, finishing last of five runners about 4.5 lengths from the winner but enough to get him started on his path towards what Lees hopes will be a berth in the inaugural running of the $5 million All-Star Mile at Flemington in March.

“He has pulled up well and will trial again at Newcastle on January 22,” Lees said.

“At this stage I haven’t definitely planned a return race but it could be the Expressway Stakes.”

The $200,000 Expressway (1200m) will draw a crack field of sprinters at Rosehill on February 2 with Trapeze Artist and Alizee among the expected starters.

Le Romain, within $100,000 of $4 million in career earnings, has won seven and been placed 15 times in his 31 starts.

Meanwhile Lees will watch his veteran imported stayer Singing work on Tuesday before deciding he will attempt a first-up defence of his Gosford Gold Cup title on Thursday.

Singing was in top form 12 months ago when he won the $150,000 Gosford Cup (2100m), completing a hat-trick of wins when he trounced Red Excitement and Mighty Lucky after wins over 2000m and 2200m at Doomben.

The 9YO has had a different preparation this season as he hasn’t raced since last March when he finished fourth in the G3 Manion Cup (2400m) at Rosehill.

He’s had two barrier trials, finishing second over 1200m at Gosford on December 18 before winning a 1200m heat at Wyong last Wednesday.

“It was very encouraging, he trialled strongly,” Lees said of his Wyong effort.

“I’m definitely considering running him first-up at Gosford. We’ll gallop him and then make a decision.”

Singing has a strong fresh record, the French import having won twice and been placed twice from seven first-up assignments over distances up to 2000m.