Why Nic Ashman can’t go past Smokin’ Romans in the Pakenham Cup

Form analyst Nic Ashman is keen to be with Smokin’ Romans in this weekend’s Pakenham Cup (2500m).

The Ciaron Maher-trained galloper has rediscovered his mojo in recent times, running second to Arapaho in the Group 2 Zipping Classic at Caulfield last time out following a nice win in the Group 3 Queen Elizabeth at Flemington.

Maher’s best on Saturday and the stable’s “clear top pick” in the Pakenham Cup

Ashman has been taken by those runs and as a result believes Smokin’ Romans is a great winning chance in the Listed race on Saturday.

“I can’t go past Smokin’ Romans,” Ashman said on SENTrack’s Giddy Up.

“Look at what he’s done in his last two starts. He beat them off a slow tempo over 2600m, beating Star Vega and Berkeley Square. The latter has gone on to win the Ballarat Cup.

“In his subsequent run in the Zipping he beat Berkeley Square by 4.5 lengths while running a very close second to Arapaho. He is bordering as a Group 1 horse when he’s right and he was right that day.

“I think Smokin’ Romans is back, he’s running as well as he ever has by looking at his figures. I don’t think the 60kg is much of an issue for him, other than the fact he has to concede weight to other horses.

“Smokin’ Roman takes luck out of the equation, he’s got the right runs on the board recently.”

The eight-year-old, who will be ridden by Ethan Brown from barrier 10, is rated the $4 second favourite with Sportsbet behind Muramasa at $3.20.

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