Russian Revolution has kept alive an incredible undefeated streak first-up with a tough win in this afternoon’s Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield.
The Snitzel entire race backed into $4.60 favouritism leading into jump and settled behind the early pace set by the likes of Snitty Kitty, Sheidel and Quilista after jumping fairly.
Jockey Mark Zahra elected to work the horse into the race as the field approached the bend and was rewarded for the decision when faced with clear running in straight.
Immediately responding when asked for an extra effort, Russian Revolution found top gear with 200m to travel and maintained to the line well to beat Snitty Kitty ($9), Hellbent ($16) and Booker ($7) in a tight finish to the Oakleigh Plate.
Zahra’s ride was pivotal in Russian Revolution returning to winning form in the Oakleigh Plate and the in-form hoop was thrilled to claim a win at the highest level for Peter & Paul Snowden.
“That was a big win and credit to the Snowdens for having him spot-on,” Zahra said after crossing the line.
“It didn’t work out too well in the run, but I was wide and he’s the sort of horse who you can’t push and pull around, so I had to fire into the straight earlier than what I wanted.
“It became a real dogfight late and to win that first-up over 1100m, great effort.
“I just want to say thanks to the Snowdens – he’s the first one (winner) I’ve ridden for them in a lot of years and I’m sure we’ve had a couple of seconds, but to get a winner for them is very pleasing.”
Co-trainer Paul Snowden was on hand for Russian Revolution’s win in the Oakleigh Plate and revealed that plans have not been set for the four-year-old beyond this afternoon.
“Maybe earlier on in his career he used to do a lot of things wrong and fall apart pre-race half run his race before we even got there,” Snowden said.
“We’ve always kept him in high regard and done a lot of work with him behind the scenes just to get him to settle and things like that.
“It’s a feather in everyone’s cap to get him to the barriers the way he did and he performed terrifically well. Nothing went right for us, we were four-deep without cover the whole way, but he was always going to be strong to the line because he’s a horse that can get a solid 1200m.
“We’ll have a meeting on Monday or Tuesday next week and just see where we sit. There’s a William Reid down here or we can send him up north, so he’s not a one-hit wonder so to speak, there’s certainly races there for him.”
In taking out the Oakleigh Plate, Russian Revolution has extended his career record to seven wins from only eleven starts.