Stakes Breakthrough for the Tough-as-Teak Smokin' Romans

Mark Smith - Saturday December 4

Never off the board in his last nine starts, the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-trained Smokin’ Romans was rewarded for his consistency in Saturday’s $300,000 Listed Sportsbet Pakenham Cup (2500m).

Smokin' Romans - welcome back Jamie Kah (image Brett Holburt/Racing Photos)

Riding the early speed under Jamie Kah, the 5yo son of Ghibellines struck the front at the 300m and was never in danger from there.

He kept up a relentless gallop to defeat Good Idea (So You Think) by two lengths, with Team Captain (Galileo) the same distance back in third.

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Smokin’ Romans contested his first stakes race at his previous start when edged out by Wentwood in the $400,000 Group III Bendigo Cup (2400m).

His overall record advances to seven wins, five seconds, and a third from 18 starts with earnings of $531,415.

David Eustice said the 5yo gelding is a stable favourite.

“He is an absolute legend. He’s been in work over a year, and he just keeps turning up,” Eustice said.

“He loves his racing and he’s just getting better and better.

“He’s a funny horse, he’s always had his quirks, but he was really really good today.

“He got a lovely ride, and he’s a favourite in the stable.

“He probably was a little bit stiff (Bendigo Cup), but it’s a big thrill today.

“Jamie did what she does, she got him into a beautiful rhythm, and it’s great to have her back. She’s a star of the sport. She’s just a natural and very gifted rider, and that’s a rare thing.”

Smokin' Romans a $52,500 Karaka yearling

Smokin’ Romans was Kah’s first win since her return from suspension.

“It’s amazing; I’ve missed it greatly,” Kah said.

“To come back and get a winner like that is very rewarding and I’m just happy to be back.

“All credit to Ciaran and Dave. He has been up so long, and I’ve never seen him look so good. He was amazing out there today and made my job easy.

“I knew I had a fit horse underneath and knew if I wanted to go I could, but I wanted to give him the easiest run I could early.

“He does it all himself, he could feel them coming, and he just quickens up when they get to him. He’s push-button, a really lovely stayer.”

Consigned by White Robe Stud to the 2018 Karaka National Yearling Sale, Smokin’ Romans was a $52,500 purchase for Darren Weir.

Smokin’ Romans inherited the toughness of his dam Interiors (Yamanin Vital), whose ten wins included the Group III Canterbury Gold Cup twice.

Inferno is a half-sister to Listed winner Ortem Fire (Gallant Guru), and the stakes placegetters Unfurl (Raise the Flag) and Ronnie (Seasoned Star).

Smokin’ Romans is the third stakes-winner for White Robe Stud’s Group II ATC Todman Stakes Ghibellines (Shamardal), a half-sister to 4-time Group 1 winner Guelph (Exceed And Excel).

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Race Result - Sportsbet Pakenham Cup LR 2500m

Pakenham Track: Good(3) Time: 2:37.19
1
Smokin' Romans
- 5g Ghibellines (AUS) x Inferno (NZ) (Yamanin Vital (NZ))
Tnr: C Maher & D Eustace Rdr: Jamie Kah 54
2
2.0
Good Idea
- 7g So You Think (NZ) x Faint Perfume (AUS) (Shamardal (USA))
Tnr: P Stokes Rdr: Damian Lane 57
So You Think
3
4.0
Team Captain
- 6g Galileo (IRE) x Remember When (IRE) (Danehill Dancer (IRE))
Tnr: Matthew Cumani Rdr: B Mc Dougall 54
4
4.2
Mankayan
- 6g Intello (GER) x Angelic Note (IRE) (Excellent Art (GB))
Tnr: C Maher & D Eustace Rdr: Jye McNeil 54.5
5
4.7
Long Arm
- 6g Rock Of Gibraltar (IRE) x Llew Law (GB) (Verglas (IRE))
Tnr: Peter Gelagotis Rdr: Beau Mertens 54
6
6.2
Skyman
- 6g Mukhadram (GB) x Skyrider (IRE) (Dalakhani (IRE))
Tnr: C J Waller Rdr: Damien Thornton 55
7
6.3
Future Score
- 7g Cape Cross (IRE) x Theola (IRE) (Kalanisi (IRE))
Tnr: Matthew Cumani Rdr: Craig Williams 58
8
6.4
Mimi's Award
- 4m Shamus Award (AUS) x Aunt Mimi (AUS) (More Than Ready (USA))
Tnr: Ben & J D Hayes Rdr: B Prebble 54
9
6.8
Think We're Due
- 7g So You Think (NZ) x Tendue (AUS) (General Nediym (AUS))
Tnr: Andrew Noblet Rdr: Zac Spain 54
10
6.9
In A Twinkling
- 6g Fastnet Rock (AUS) x Moment In Time (AUS) (Archway (IRE))
Tnr: L Smith Rdr: C Newitt 58
11
8.1
Constantinople
- 6g Galileo (IRE) x One Moment In Time (IRE) (Danehill (USA))
Tnr: Aaron Purcell Rdr: Lachlan King 54.5
12
10.6
Mosh Music
- 7m Moshe (AUS) x Dirt Music (AUS) (Jeune (GB))
Tnr: Archie Alexander Rdr: M J Dee 55
13
12.4
Flash Aah
- 6g Lucas Cranach (GER) x Never Despair (AUS) (Hotel Grand (AUS))
Tnr: M A Kropp Rdr: D Moor 54
14
12.8
Pappalino
- 6g Makfi (GB) x Bartira (GB) (Cape Cross (IRE))
Tnr: Matthew Smith Rdr: John Allen 55
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