Karaka graduates ran first and second in a thrilling finish in Thursday’s A$300,000 Listed Sungold Milk Warrnambool Cup (2350m), with victory going to the warhorse Smokin’ Romans (NZ) (Ghibellines).
Bought for $52,500 from Book 1 of Karaka 2018, Smokin’ Romans has now earned A$2.33m from a 47-start career that has produced 11 wins and 11 placings. His previous victories include the Group One Turnbull Stakes (2000m), Group Three MRC Foundation Cup (2000m), Group Three Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2600m) and Listed Pakenham Cup (2500m).
The eight-year-old was ridden by Ben Melham in Thursday’s Warrnambool feature and led every step of the way. He kicked hard in the straight and dug deep when challenged by the strong-finishing Torranzino (NZ) (Tarzino), holding on to win by a head.
“It's fantastic,” trainer Ciaron Maher said. “This horse has been phenomenal. He's getting on a bit now, so we change it up a bit for him. I can't thank the team enough, he goes everywhere, he's been hanging out at Ballarat the last couple of days but he's normally down at Cranbourne, so a big thanks to them.
“He’s been such a great horse. He’s a Group One winner and had to carry a big weight today. I’m absolutely rapt.”
Melham has formed a successful partnership with Smokin’ Romans, who he also guided to an all-the-way win in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Flemington in November.
“I wanted to lead on him because of the big weight, I didn't want to be stop-starting on him,” Melham said. “He had to do a bit of work going out of the straight and it was only the weight that brought him back a little bit late.
“He is a Group One winner who has a bit of class, although he can mix his form a little bit. But he does seem to go well for me."
Runner-up Torranzino was a $75,000 purchase from Book 1 of Karaka 2021. He has had 28 starts for five wins, eight placings and A$724,090 in stakes.
| Vendor | White Robe Lodge |
| Purchaser | Darren Weir Racing (Victoria) |
| Breeding | Ghibellines – Inferno |
| Sale | Lot 273, Karaka 2018 Book 1, $52,500 |
| Breeder | B J Anderton ONZM & Mrs L E Anderton |
| Owner | Mr A C Downing, Mr S H H Prenter, J N Ashby, Troyantish, Mr N McFarlane, Mr B P Kelly, Mr T J Kelly, C Wattam, Mr P G Thomson, Mr D R Frampton, Mr M J Clements, Mr H M Brown |
