If assistant trainer Jack Turnbull is right, Smokin’ Romans (NZ) (Ghibellines) is about to strike form at Flemington.
The Ciaron Maher-trained galloper contests the VRC Member Peter Drake Plate (2000m) on Saturday, one of five runners from the stable.
A Group 1 winner of the Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington in October 2022, Smokin’ Romans has placed only once in 12 subsequent starts.
Smokin’ Romans did run seventh in both the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup following the Turnbull Stakes success and fourth in an Australian Cup at Flemington.
Turnbull said Smokin’ Romans had been progressing well this campaign and had finally drawn a gate where he can hold a position in the run.
“He’s been up at Ballarat and is coming off a slow build-up,” Turnbull said.
“He had a long spell over summer after a couple of heavy seasons and this campaign, being winter, we’re trying to get some confidence back and he’s brimming with confidence.
“I know he hasn’t won, but he’s hit the board a couple of times, and every time Jaylah (Kennedy, who rides again on Saturday) gets off him, she’s just rapt with how well he’s going.”
