Flamin' Romans (NZ) seems to have inherited a good deal of ability and toughness from his brother, Smokin' Romans and dam Inferno.
The son of Ghibellines came close to giving Dylan Browne McMonagle a perfect introduction to Australia when second over 1450m at Kilmore when on debut on November 26.
The star Irish apprentice made no mistake at start two in the Bertocchi Maiden Plate (1500m) at Bendigo on Sunday.
After taking a step back at the start, Flamin' Romans had little trouble railing through to lead from his inside barrier, and it was an easy watch from there for those who took the short odds.
Trained by Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, the 4-year-old son of Ghibellines defeated the Highland Reel mare Reel Bonnie Lass by one and a quarter lengths, with the 3-year-old Alpine Eagle gelding Crossoverkid two lengths back in third.
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t;I've had a very good weekend, and this lad was a good ride today," McMonagle said.
"The horse that beat him first-up (Interlinked) won really well the other day at Caulfield, so the form is good.
"He has improved a lot. He settled well and relaxed, and when he picked up, nothing was getting passed.
"He was a bit of a baby the first time and wanted to get it over and done with, but he was a lot more laid-back today.
"He is still a big boy, will progress, and has a big future ahead of him. The further he goes, the better he will be."
Bred by Brian and Lorraine Anderton of White Robe Lodge, Flamin' Romans races for many of the same owners in Smokin' Romans, whose career highlight came in the 2022 Group 1 Turnbull Stakes after defeating Uncle Bryn (GB) and Gold Trip (FR) in the Group III Naturalism Stakes.
Flamin' Romans is the fourth winner for the tough-as-teak Inferno (Yamanin Vital), whose ten wins included the Group III Canterbury Gold Cup twice.
Inferno is a half-sister to Listed winner Ortem Fire (Gallant Guru), and the stakes placegetters Unfurl (Raise the Flag) and Ronnie (Seasoned Star).
Inferno has a 2-year-old sister to Smokin' Romans and Flamin' Romans and was retired this year.
