Taramansour provides locals with a win in the Pakenham Cup 2025

Taramansour produced a remarkable form reversal to hand Phillip Stokes his first victory in the Pakenham Cup, delivering an emotional local triumph.

Stokes, who splits his time between his Morphettville operation and his Pakenham base, has had the Cup on his radar since establishing himself at the training centre in 2019.

On Saturday, the Listed 2500-metre feature finally fell his way, though not with the runner most expected. Stablemate Skippers Canyon was the $2.70 favourite, but it was Taramansour ($26) who surged clear for a 3-¼ length win over Star Vega ($17), with Etna Rosso ($8.50) close behind in third.

The rising 10-year-old had been deep into his preparation, starting back in July and racking up over 17,000 metres in race conditions. A disappointing eighth at Caulfield last start had some owners suggesting retirement.

Stokes pushed back, convinced the gelding still had life in his legs.

“After his last run, a few of the owners said let’s retire him, let’s tip him out, but I said ‘no, he’s going OK’,” Stokes said.

“We changed things up a bit and I have to thank the team behind us, especially Ross Elliot. He’s been schooling him out the back and that’s really helped him.”

New tactics were also crucial. Instead of being ridden quietly as in recent starts, Taramansour was asked to take up a more forward position.

Currie executed the plan well.

“It took a long time to get back into a spot,” he said.

“I got beaten to a spot twice going around the first corner and I thought I’ve missed the boat, but he pulled his way into it. Once he’d made that move, there was no point dragging him back.”

With momentum building, Currie shifted into the clear and the gelding stayed strong through the line.

Stokes said the Bagot Handicap (2800m) shapes as the next target.

“He’s a rising 10-year-old, so there’s not much point stopping him,” Stokes said.

Currie added that a left-hand reminder in the straight helped keep the gelding focused.

“He wandered a little being on his own, but once I switched the stick he knuckled down again. He was strong to the line considering how tough the run was.”

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