It was a win more than two years in the making and Smokin’ Romans could not have picked a more appropriate venue to reward his connections’ patience.
The Ciaron Maher-trained gelding led all the way to claim the $300,000 Group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2600m) at Flemington.
It was the 10th career success for the eight-year-old, but first since claiming the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes at Flemington on October 1, 2022.
“He’s a horse that’s a Turnbull winner, he hasn’t got to that form for a long time, but it’s fantastic for the horse, the owners and the team to get a big win like this,” Maher said.
“He’s a quirky fella. He was playing up a fair bit out the back, so when you know he’s doing that he normally runs a pretty forward race.”
Smokin’ Romans was beaten favourite in the Caulfield Cup the start after his Turnbull win and finished seventh in that year’s Melbourne Cup but his only start at Flemington this year prior to the Queen Elizabeth Stakes realised a second placing to Horrifying back in July.
Ben Melham was able to do as he pleased aboard the son of Ghibellines in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, leading at a pedestrian tempo before giving a good kick early in the straight.
The $13 betting site chance scored by half-a-length from Star Vega ($6.50), who made good ground from the back, with Berkeley Square ($6) 3-3/4 lengths away third.
“He’s been a little bit out of form this horse, but he’s a good galloper on his day,” Melham said.
“He just loved that – finding a rhythm in front today – and he’s returned to his best.
“You have to have ability to win a Group One and you can never discount horses in this yard. He’s a master, Ciaron, and I just sat on top and pointed.”
The Queen Elizabeth Stakes was the first Australian start for Chris Waller-trained import Kinesiology ($3.80 fav), who travelled behind Smokin’ Romans but seemingly did not appreciate the slow tempo and failed to run on in the straight, finishing a 7-1/4-length fifth.
