Resuming from a spell following a fine fourth in the Group I VRC Coolmore Stud Stakes last spring, Russian Revolution was well primed for his return with two recent trial wins and the Peter and Paul Snowden trained colt was heavily backed into favouritism.
Punters had to endure anxious moments when the colt got excited in the parade yard forcing an early exit and then broke into a muck lather when he arrived behind the gates.
He shifted a plate on the way to the barriers necessitating some quick work
from the farrier, so the picture was far from rosy by the time Russian
Revolution was loaded and ready to run.To his credit, Russian Revolution (images Steve Hart) put all of that behind him when the gates opened and despite racing a bit keenly from his wide draw was able to post a short neck win in the 1100 metre dash.
An elated Paul Snowden said he was confident Russian Revolution's 51kg featherweight would be in the colt's favour on a deteriorating track.
"We knew the weight was going to kick in at some stage and it was probably the difference over the last 100 metres," he said.
"He's been very full of himself in the last week or so. He threw the rider yesterday and nearly threw her this morning. He's been ready to go."
The Group I TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) back at Randwick on April 1 now looms for Russian Revolution where he will face older rivals under weight-for-age conditions.
"It's a massive possibility," Snowden said.
"We'll just have to make sure he comes through today's run all right – he's put in a mighty performance today. The horse comes first."
A $320,000 Inglis Easter purchase from the Vinery Stud draft for China Horse Club/ Michael Wallace Bloodstock, Russian Revolution runs for a syndicate that includes China Horse Club, Matthew Sandblom and Newgate Farm.
Russian Revolution has the impressive record of five wins from six starts with prizemoney topping $800,000.
Bred by John Stuart Investments, he is a half-brother to Group III winner Turbo
Miss and is the fourth winner from four foals to race from Ballet D'Amour
(USA), a Stravinsky half-sister to stakes-winner Taletobetold from the family
of Fanfreluche that has also produced champion sires Encosta de Lago and Flying
Spur.Ballet D'Amour is now in the ownership of the Bateman family and residing at Newgate Farm, who sold her current yearling, a filly by Smart Missile, for $300,000 to China Horse Club at the Magic Millions in January.
Ballet D'Amour produced a colt by Snitzel's Group I VRC Australian Guineas winner Wandjina last spring before missing to Exceed and Excel. That colt is entered by Newgate Farm for the Inglis Chairman's Sale on April 7 as Lot 11.
Russian Revolution is the eighth Group I winner for Snitzel, who has the most entries of any stallion at the 2017 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale with 44, click here to see them.
