Revolution returns to stamp out opposition in McEwen Stakes

Brad Waters - Tuesday September 5

Group I winner Russian Revolution returns to Melbourne a seasoned traveller for his tilt at a first-up win in Saturday's Group II McEwen Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley.

Russian Revolution with Mark Zahra aboard at Moonee Valley on Tuesday. Photo: Darryl Sherer

Russian Revolution won the Group III Vain Stakes (1100m) at his first trip to Melbourne last August before running a solid fourth to Flying Artie in the Group I Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington at his last Victorian run last November.

Russian Revolution subsequently won the Group I Galaxy during the Sydney autumn carnival before the entire closed his three-year-old season with a fourth in the Doomben 10,000 in Brisbane.

Co-trainer Paul Snowden said the travelling helped the son of Snitzel settle in well to the team's Melbourne satellite stable at Flemington.

"He's a little bit older and he has had a tendency to get a bit above himself in the yard pre-race but I think he's handling things a lot better now," Snowden, who trains Russian Revolution in partnership with his father Peter, said.

"With the trip down to Melbourne last prep and he's gone to Brisbane, he's been tripped around a bit and he's settled in very well."

Russian Revolution headed to Moonee Valley for a hit-out on Tuesday morning where he worked solo over 800m, completing the gallop in 55.2 seconds and running home his last 400 in 23.99 seconds.

"He was on the right leg all the way here (Moonee Valley) and he never changed stride one bit so it's very good," Snowden said.

"We thought it was important to come over here and have a look around here because there's not another track that is like this and it's a bit daunting when they're here."

The McEwen Stakes will be the first of two confirmed Moonee Valley runs for Russian Revolution, who Snowden said was in the Everest picture if things went his way.

"I've said with all our horses for that race (the Everest), if they are winning it will take care of itself," Snowden said.

"It is a good starting point for him and it gives him a three-week break into the Moir and then if, all going well he'll be up there, but if not, he can stick around here and have a freshen-up for going down the straight."

Mark Zahra rode Russian Revolution in his gallop at the Valley and will be aboard the sprinter in the McEwen Stakes in which he is a $3 equal favourite in Ladbrokes' all-in market.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Best On Breeding
The cerise, white crossed sashes and black cap of Bob Peters, Peter's Investments, may not be the once dominant force they have been for decades in Western Australian racing, but they are far from finished.
Cambridge Stud News
It’s been the spring that keeps giving for Cambridge Stud and it’s not over yet.
Luberon Heads Cambridge Stud Saturday Charge
Lance Noble will attempt to add to a strong run of spring form for Cambridge Stud when he sends out five well-credentialled runners in Brendan and Jo Lindsay’s black and gold colours at Pukekohe on Saturday.
Magic Millions 2025 Magazine Online
The 2025 Magic Millions magazine is now online with a great mix of gallery images, editorial and vendor profilies.
Blockbuster Sale as NZB Ready to Run Records Tumble
Expectations were exceeded at Karaka with tremendous results witnessed across two days of selling at NZB’S 2024 Ready to Run Sale, confirming the demand for proven racetrack results and quality New Zealand-prepared horses.
$1.3million Snitzel Colt Ready to Fire on Debut for Te Akau
Mark Walker and Sam Bergerson are confident they have the young firepower to make an early impression in the first of the black type features at Pukekohe Park on Saturday.
Pinhook Winners 2024 NZB Ready to Run – Churchill Colt the Star
A record breaking NZB Ready to Run Sale this week at Karaka delivered plenty of pinhook success with 18 two year-olds selling for $300,000 or more above their yearling purchase price, so let’s take a look at some of the best of them.
$2,000 Gavelhouse Bargain Keeps on Winning!
The Grey Goose continued to belie her purchase price last start when recording her fifth win at Wingatui, bringing her career earnings to more than $225,000.
One to Watch – Hawkesbury
Castelvecchio has gone from nowhere to somewhere during the course of this spring with three stakes-winners putting his name in lights and he had a promising three year-old colt salute at Hawkesbury on Thursday that has now won two of three starts.
City of Troy Crowned 2024 Cartier European Horse of the Year
Outstanding Justify colt City of Troy was crowned Horse of the Year at the 2024 Cartier awards on Wednesday night in London at a star studded ceremony at the Dorchester Hotel.