BIG RUSSIAN BACK IN ACTION

South Australian Derby winner Russian Camelot had his second barrier trial on Tuesday and is on course to compete in the All Star Mile next month. 

Russian Camelot currently sits as equal favourite at $6 for the race alongside recent sparring partner and WA raider Arcadia Queen for Grant and Alana Williams who also trialled in the West on Tuesday.

Melbourne Cup winning trainer Danny O’Brien was content with his start stallions trial and told RSN afterwards that the 4yo had done everything he needed to do alongside stablemate Cherry Tortini.

“He was fresh enough to want to get out and do something. Damien Oliver was really pleased with him, as was I,” O’Brien said.

O’Brien admitted he had toyed with the idea of running Russian Camelot in the Futurity Stakes over 1400m in the coming weeks as a tune up but the All Star Mile is the main focus.

“Plan A is going straight to the All-Star Mile but the option is there to potentially run him in the Futurity rather than trial him again,” O’Brien said.

“Well look at all the variables in the next seven to 10 days.

“I’d say he’d be more than likely to go straight into the All-Star Mile.”

Russian Camelot hasn’t been seen on course since finishing 8th in the Melbourne Cup where he looked slightly jaded after a long spring campaign in which he took out the Group 1 Group 1 Underwood Stakes. 

“He’s put on about 30kg and matured a little bit. He turned four on the first of January and it can be a big step for them from three to four,” O’Brien said.

They can take the step and take on the older horses or they’re found wanting.

“But he’s been taking on the older horses all spring so there’s no reason why he can’t improve a little bit coming into this autumn.”

Fellow All-Star Mile contender Mr Quickie had a good showing working late on to finish fourth in the trial, just over a length from the winner. Something the punters have noticed with a late push in voting to ensure he is selected for the $5m race in March.

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