The Ciaron Maher & David Eustace-trained Smokin’ Romans has firmed into favouritism for the Group 1 $5 million Caulfield Cup (2400m) following a brilliant on-pace victory in the Turnbull Stakes at Flemington.

Impressive 2022 Turnbull Stakes winner Smokin’ Romans is into the Caulfield Cup with just 51.5kg. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.

The last start Group 3 Naturalism Stakes winner went around at $21 odds for the Group 1 $1 million Turnbull Stakes (2000m) and further franked the form out of that Caulfield lead-up.

Earlier on Turnbull Stakes Day the Grahame Begg-trained Melbourne Cup-bound mare Lunar Flare improved on her Naturalism Stakes sixth to win the Group 3 $750,000 The Bart Cummings (2510m).

In the next race, Smokin’ Romans completed the Naturalism Stakes – Turnbull Stakes double for the first time since December Draw back in 2011.

“He’s just been a real product of the system,” co-trainer Maher said after the race.

“This preparation he’s carrying a lot more condition. He’s shown he’s in good form the whole way.”

The progressive six-year-old was given a confident ride up on the pace by jockey Ethan Brown who had the eventual Turnbull Stakes winner settled second in the run behind Knights Order.

“Ethan, when he jumped on said ‘he’ll run a race today’,” Maher said.

“And I said ‘I know.’

“He was confident.”

Brown stayed on Knights Order’s back into the home straight before drawing level and then powering to the lead 250m out from the line.

Running a strong final furlong, Smokin’ Romans had one and half lengths to spare on the line over the John O’Shea-trained Maximal with Danny O’Brien’s Spring Cups-bound Young Werther a close third.

The Turnbull Stakes – Caulfield Cup double has been achieved the past two years by Verry Elleegant (2020) and Incentivise (2021).

The money is now on Smokin’ Romans to be the next with the horse now sitting top of the all-in Caulfield Cup odds at $8 through Ladbrokes.com.au.

Smokin’ Romans is a 51.5kg light weight for the Caulfield Cup and Jamie Kah is expected to pick up the coveted ride.

Brown will be in Sydney on the same day to ride the stable’s Memsie Stakes winning mare Snapdancer in the $15 million The Everest (1200m).

“The horse is going great,” Maher said of Smokin’ Romans.

“He drops to 51 and a half for a Caulfield Cup, which seems pretty nice.

“I think Jamie Kah will ride him. He’s on the light weight. I’d say she’d be pretty happy to get on after today.”