Smokin’ Romans, one of the more seasoned gallopers in the Ciaron Maher stable, is set to remind racing fans of his enduring class when he contests the Group 1 Underwood Stakes at Caulfield this Saturday. Despite being a nine-year-old, the gelding has been showing renewed spark, prompting Maher to declare that the “old boy” deserves another chance at the elite level.

The Underwood Stakes, run over 1800 metres, is shaping up as an important milestone in Smokin’ Romans’ spring preparation, with Maher entering not only the veteran gelding but also stablemates Zardozi and Middle Earth. For Maher, the meeting represents more than just another race day — it’s a chance to showcase the depth of his stable and potentially lay down markers for the upcoming Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup.

A Proven Performer Looking to Turn Back the Clock

Smokin’ Romans is no stranger to Caulfield success. At the same fixture in 2022, he clinched the Group 3 Naturalism Stakes (2000m), before stepping up two weeks later to secure victory in the prestigious Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington. Those triumphs saw him emerge as one of the stable’s brightest hopes heading into the spring carnival that year.

From there, he started as favourite in the Caulfield Cup but could only manage seventh place in a field brimming with talent. That run was followed by another seventh-place finish in the Melbourne Cup, where he trailed home stablemate Gold Trip over the gruelling 3200 metres.

Now firmly in the veteran stages of his career, Smokin’ Romans is being set once again on a pathway towards the Cups. Carrying 55.5 kilograms in this year’s Caulfield Cup and 53.5 kilograms in the Melbourne Cup, he has been carefully managed to peak at the right time.

Maher explained his reasoning, noting the gelding’s sharp return to form in recent weeks. “He’s in a really good spot, Smokey,” Maher said. “His form is good, and he carried a lot more weight than Revelare last time and Revelare has franked that form. He’s tracking along well, and I thought we could go back to the 1800 metres and he’s on track for the Caulfield Cup as well.”

A Money Spinner With More to Give

Few horses in training have proven as consistent and valuable as Smokin’ Romans. With 11 wins from 50 starts, the gelding has amassed nearly $2.4 million in prize money, rewarding his connections with both longevity and class.

His latest outing highlighted that he still retains a serious competitive edge. On August 30 at Caulfield, Smokin’ Romans was run down late over 2000 metres by Revelare, a rival who subsequently confirmed the merit of that performance by taking out the Group 3 Archer Stakes (2500m) at Flemington and booking a spot in the Melbourne Cup.

Maher viewed that performance as a clear indication that the horse is far from finished at the highest level. With the gelding sound, fit, and thriving in his work, the veteran is once again positioned as a genuine chance to feature prominently in another Group 1 contest.

Middle Earth Adds Strength to the Stable’s Hand

While Smokin’ Romans provides the fairytale storyline, Maher is also looking to the future with Middle Earth, a lightly-raced stayer who has already generated excitement in the stable. Having his first run in Australia after a European campaign, Middle Earth finished behind Revelare at Caulfield on August 30, his first outing since the autumn.

Middle Earth will carry 56.5 kilograms in the Caulfield Cup and 54.5 kilograms in the Melbourne Cup, and Maher has been deliberate in giving him another hit-out at Caulfield to fine-tune his preparation.

“He’s ticking along the right way,” Maher said. “He hit the line well first-up and he’ll strip fitter, but the 1800 metres is probably short of his best.”

Although Saturday’s trip may not be ideal, the race is expected to sharpen Middle Earth ahead of longer challenges to come, positioning him as one of Maher’s key contenders for the spring staying features.

Zardozi Impresses in Stable Debut

Adding further intrigue to Maher’s Underwood Stakes assault is the presence of Zardozi, a mare formerly trained by James Cummings under the Godolphin banner. Having her first start for Maher in the So You Think Stakes (1500m) at Moonee Valley earlier this month, she produced a closing fifth that caught the eye.

“She’s come through her first-up run really well,” Maher said. “She’s a clean-winded mare that hit the line nicely first-up. She’s coming along nicely and seems in a good spot for Saturday’s race.”

Zardozi’s presence gives Maher yet another chance to strike at Group 1 level while simultaneously assessing how the mare measures up against some of the country’s best middle-distance performers.

Experience Meets Potential at Caulfield

The Underwood Stakes has long been regarded as one of the key spring lead-up races, offering a strong test for horses aiming at the Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate, or Melbourne Cup. For Maher, it’s a chance to showcase three very different runners — a seasoned warrior in Smokin’ Romans, an emerging international talent in Middle Earth, and a new stable recruit in Zardozi.

Smokin’ Romans may not have youth on his side, but his past performances and current condition have his trainer optimistic. With his proven ability to perform at Caulfield and the stable’s confidence in his preparation, Saturday’s race could well be another chapter in the remarkable career of the “old boy” who refuses to fade quietly into the background.