Kiwi Bred Smokin’ Romans Heads Karaka Quinella in Cup

Media Release - Friday May 2

Karaka graduates ran first and second in a thrilling finish in Thursday’s A$300,000 Listed Sungold Milk Warrnambool Cup (2350m), with victory going to the warhorse Smokin’ Romans (NZ) (Ghibellines).

Bought for $52,500 from Book 1 of Karaka 2018, Smokin’ Romans has now earned A$2.33m from a 47-start career that has produced 11 wins and 11 placings. His previous victories include the Group One Turnbull Stakes (2000m), Group Three MRC Foundation Cup (2000m), Group Three Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2600m) and Listed Pakenham Cup (2500m).

Smokin' Romans wins the Listed Warrnambool Cup - image Reg Ryan / Racing Photos

The eight-year-old was ridden by Ben Melham in Thursday’s Warrnambool feature and led every step of the way. He kicked hard in the straight and dug deep when challenged by the strong-finishing Torranzino (NZ) (Tarzino), holding on to win by a head.

“It's fantastic,” trainer Ciaron Maher said. “This horse has been phenomenal. He's getting on a bit now, so we change it up a bit for him. I can't thank the team enough, he goes everywhere, he's been hanging out at Ballarat the last couple of days but he's normally down at Cranbourne, so a big thanks to them.

“He’s been such a great horse. He’s a Group One winner and had to carry a big weight today. I’m absolutely rapt.”

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Melham has formed a successful partnership with Smokin’ Romans, who he also guided to an all-the-way win in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Flemington in November.

“I wanted to lead on him because of the big weight, I didn't want to be stop-starting on him,” Melham said. “He had to do a bit of work going out of the straight and it was only the weight that brought him back a little bit late.

“He is a Group One winner who has a bit of class, although he can mix his form a little bit. But he does seem to go well for me."

Runner-up Torranzino was a $75,000 purchase from Book 1 of Karaka 2021. He has had 28 starts for five wins, eight placings and A$724,090 in stakes.

Vendor White Robe Lodge
Purchaser Darren Weir Racing (Victoria)
Breeding Ghibellines – Inferno
Sale Lot 273, Karaka 2018 Book 1, $52,500
Breeder B J Anderton ONZM & Mrs L E Anderton
Owner Mr A C Downing, Mr S H H Prenter, J N Ashby, Troyantish, Mr N McFarlane, Mr B P Kelly, Mr T J Kelly, C Wattam, Mr P G Thomson, Mr D R Frampton, Mr M J Clements, Mr H M Brown
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Race Result - Sungold Milk Warrnambool Cup LR 2350m

Warrnambool Track: Soft(7) Time: 2:31.21
1
Smokin' Romans
- 8g Ghibellines (AUS) x Inferno (NZ) (Yamanin Vital (NZ))
Tnr: C Maher Rdr: B Melham 59
NZB Karaka - Book 1 $52,500
Seller: White Robe Lodge
Buyer: Darren Weir Racing
2
0.2
Torranzino
- 5g Tarzino (NZ) x Goldilicious (NZ) (Helmet (AUS))
Tnr: P A Preusker Rdr: Celine Gaudray 56
NZB Karaka Book 1 $75,000
Seller: Phoenix Park
Buyer: Mr PA Preusker
3
1.9
Ziryab
- 5g Kingman (GB) x Reem (AUS) (Galileo (IRE))
Tnr: C Maher Rdr: Teodore Nugent 54
4
3.7
Ferago
- 8g Fiorente (IRE) x Vodissa (AUS) (Encosta De Lago (AUS))
Tnr: P F Ryan Rdr: C Newitt 54
5
5.4
True Marvel
- 9g Masked Marvel (GB) x Anecdotique (FR) (Enrique (GB))
Tnr: Matthew Smith Rdr: D Yendall 54
6
7.4
Strawberry Rock
- 8g Rock Of Gibraltar (IRE) x Strawberry Vodka (GB) (Azamour (IRE))
Tnr: C Maher Rdr: Jamie Melham 55.5
7
8.4
Military Mission
- 7g Mastercraftsman (IRE) x Atlantic Isle (GER) (Tamayuz (GB))
Tnr: G Waterhouse & A Bott Rdr: John Allen 57.5
8
10.7
Claidheamh Mor
- 6g Dundeel (NZ) x Mel's Pocket (AUS) (Redoute's Choice (AUS))
Tnr: Gemma Rielly Rdr: Declan Bates 54
9
11
Virtuous Circle
- 5g Almanzor (FR) x She Is Stryking (AUS) (Stryker (AUS))
Tnr: Liam Howley Rdr: Jordan Childs 57
10
11.8
Mystery Island
- 8g Victoire Pisa (JPN) x Mystique (GER) (Monsun (GER))
Tnr: Shane Jackson Rdr: H Coffey 54
11
12.5
Mission Of Love
- 5m The Mission (AUS) x Hanaan (AUS) (High Chaparral (IRE))
Tnr: J G Symons & S Laxon Rdr: Ms L J Meech 54
12
14.8
Burlington Gate
- 4m The Autumn Sun (AUS) x Runway Ready (AUS) (Zoffany (IRE))
Tnr: Glen Thompson Rdr: Tom Madden 54
13
20.3
Any Luck
- 5m Puccini (AUS) x Luckzat (NZ) (Lucky Unicorn (AUS))
Tnr: Wayne Walters Rdr: Ms K Walters 54
14
24.3
Hit The Road Jack
- 8g Jakkalberry (IRE) x Ististar (NZ) (Istidaad (USA))
Tnr: Symon Wilde Rdr: L Currie 54
15
24.5
Precious Charm
- 5m Per Incanto (USA) x Highly Valued (GB) (High Chaparral (IRE))
Tnr: Symon Wilde Rdr: Harry Grace 54
16
39.5
Speycaster
- 6g Highland Reel (IRE) x Examinee (GER) (Monsun (GER))
Tnr: C J Waller Rdr: Fred W Kersley 54.5
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