New Zealand-bred gelding Smokin’ Romans (NZ) (Ghibellines) has received a 1.5kg weight penalty for the Gr.1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) next month following his win in the Gr.3 Foundation Cup (2000m) on Saturday.

The Ghibellines gelding is now set to carry 51.5kg after winning the ballot exempt race at Caulfield over the weekend which also boosted him to 36th in order of entry for the Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) in November.

“Smokin’ Romans was impressive in their victory and is a progressive stayer who is hitting peak form at the right time of year,” Racing Victoria Head of Handicapping David Hegan said.

“The penalty of 1.5kg primarily considers their weight in the Cups in relation to those horses he defeated across the weekend and who are entitled to some relief in the future.

“In addition, we also needed to consider the unique nature of this year’s weight structure in both Cups in the absence of a natural topweight and how those horses handicapped off the limit weight have 1kg more than a traditional scale as a result.

“These penalties are greater than that afforded to the winners of these races in recent years, however, they are reflective of a unique weight scale for the 2022 Cups.”

Bred by White Robe Lodge principals Brian and Lorraine Anderton, Smokin Romans’ was offered through the farm’s 2018 New Zealand Bloodstock Book 1 Yearling Sale draft where he was purchased by Darren Weir for $52,500.

He has gone on to win eight of his 22 starts, including the Listed Pakenham Cup (2500m) and Gr.3 Foundation Cup (2000m).