Smokin’ Romans out to turn back time in the 2025 Pakenham Cup

The Maher stable are aiming to wind back the clock with seasoned stayer Smokin’ Romans as he returns for another tilt at the Pakenham Cup.

The nine-year-old is one of three runners representing Ciaron Maher across the 2500m Listed feature.

Smokin’ Romans first captured the Pakenham Cup in 2021 following a breakout winter campaign that included multiple wins and a narrow runner-up finish in the Bendigo Cup.

He returned the following year to win the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes before running seventh in both the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup.

Still racing with enthusiasm, he secured the Warrnambool Cup earlier this year.

Assistant trainer Jack Turnbull said the gelding had not had conditions in his favour of late.

“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 is another Maher runner, with the gelding needing improved conditions after a wet-track miss at Flemington.

“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.”

Ziryab completes the trio, stepping up in class rather than carrying a big weight in benchmark grade.

Turnbull said the improving stayer will strip fitter after his recent 2400m run at Caulfield.

“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.”

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