(Montjeu stallion Roman Emperor at stud)

You'd be forgiven for scanning over the name Roman Son in the long list of entrants for the 2017 Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup. While that may be a tall ask of the 4yo gelding, he could be a horse worth following in the staying races this Spring and beyond...

Bred by the late, great Bart Cummings, Roman Son is bidding for his 4th successive win in R2 at Randwick on Saturday (2000m). He's had 7 starts for 3 wins and no placings, with prizemoney earnings of $68,500. 

Now transferred to the stables of Anthony & Edward Cummings having first been with James Cummings, Roman Son races in the famous green and gold silks, which were also carried by his sire and dam, who were both trained by Bart.

(Roman Son winning at Warwick Farm on June 28)

His sire Roman Emperor won the 2009 Australian Derby and finished 2nd to Viewed in the Caulfield Cup that same year. He then ran 21st of 23 in the Melbourne Cup won by Shocking, having been 2nd in running for most of the two mile trip. Roman Son is one of 13 winners for his sire from just 23 offspring to race.

Roman Emperor is by Montjeu - who has sired a Melbourne Cup winner in Green Moon.

(Roman Emperor returning to scale with Jim Cassidy after claiming the 2009 Australian Derby)

Roman Son's dam is Miss Meliss, who's only win was in a Class 1 at Geelong in 2002, but Zabeel are was able to qualify for the 2002 Melbourne Cup by running 2nd to Requiem in the Hotham Hcp (SAAB Qlty). Miss Meliss brought home some prizemoney with a 10th place behind Media Puzzle in the Cup a few days later.

And we need not go into detail about Miss Meliss' sire, the late Zabeel's relationship with Caulfield and Melbourne Cups! 

Roman Son is $12 with TAB.com.au Fixed Odds for Saturday and $201 for both the Cups! 

(Miss Meliss at trackwork with the late Bart Cummings)