The Ciaron Maher stable will look to revive the glory days of Smokin’ Romans when the seasoned stayer contests Saturday’s Pakenham Cup.
The nine-year-old is one of three Maher runners in the 2500m Listed feature.
Smokin’ Romans first made headlines in 2021 when he stormed through winter before securing the Pakenham Cup, following narrow defeat in the Bendigo Cup.
He returned the next spring to win the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes and started favourite in the Caulfield Cup and later the Melbourne Cup.
A model of consistency, he also claimed the Warrnambool Cup earlier this year.
Assistant trainer Jack Turnbull said the stable was eager to rejuvenate the gelding.
“Smokey has been pretty frustrating,” Turnbull said.
“His last couple of runs haven’t worked out as to how we would have liked.
“He’s a free rolling horse that you have to pinch breaks with when you can, and he hasn’t quite had that, both with barrier and the horse himself.
“We haven’t done much with him and the idea is to try and rejuvenate him, where he can step, free roll and hopefully the class of horse is less again.
“This was the race that set him up a while ago and this is a nice time of year for him and if he brings his best, he will be there for a long way.”
Strawberry Rock also represents the stable and is aiming to bounce back after striking unsuitable conditions last start.
“It was too wet for him last time and then we took him out of the Zipping because of a bad blood, but it was only one day, and he seems bright and well now,” Turnbull said.
“He had a tick over jump-out and hopefully the track is better for him.
“He needs ground and everything to go his way, but it’s getting the miles in the legs.”
Completing the trio is Ziryab, who steps into the Pakenham Cup instead of carrying a hefty impost in benchmark company.
“He needed plenty of riding and that was his first run at the trip this time in, so he’ll improve plenty from it,” Turnbull said.
“There’s no doubt the trip is what he’s looking for.
“We could look at the Bagot Handicap on New Year’s Eve with him as he stays well and he will have the runs under him.”
If you’re looking to have a bet on the Pakenham Cup, compare Australia’s leading bookmaker options at JustHorseRacing’s bookmaker hub.