Hollywood handsome colt Russian Revolution emulated his champion sire Snitzel by winning Saturday's $500,000 Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield.
The Peter and Paul Snowden-trained colt has now won the two big 1100 metre handicaps having captured the Group 1 The Galaxy at Rosehill Gardens 11 months ago.
Despite racing wide the trip under Mark Zahra, Russian Revolution showed a fierce will to win to cling to a half-neck win over the pacesetting Snitty Kitty who gave Snitzel the quinella with Hellbent (I Am Invincible) a short half-head away third. (photo Grant Courtney).
Carrying the colours of the China Horse Club, Russian Revolution advances his record to 7 wins from 11 starts with earnings of $1,284,225.
"He was there to get knocked off today," Paul Snowden said.
"He could have easily done that (tired) with the work he did early and midrace but the fact is, he stuck it out and dug deep late."
"Mark didn't panic. He waited and waited as long as he could. It was a terrific ride.
"Early on in his career, Russian Revolution would do a lot of things wrong and fall apart pre-race
"We have done a lot of work with him behind the scenes to get him to settle."
"He's a two-time Group I-winning sprinter and there's not too many of them at stud at the moment. He'd fit any profile, any studbook.
"I can't talk for them (the owners) and they'd have plans for the horse. From my point of view, one more (run) is not going to hurt."
Ultimately set to retire to Newgate Farm, Russian Revolution has immaculate credentials as a stallion prospect.
Bred by John Stuart Investments, Russian Revolution was a $320,000 purchase by China Horse Club / Michael Wallace Bloodstock from the Vinery Stud draft at the 2015 Inglis Easter Yearling sale.
The son of Snitzel is the fourth foal and fourth winner out of the imported Stravinsky mare Ballet D'Amour (USA).
A winning half-sister to stakes-winner Taletobetold (Tale Of The Cat), from the family of
Ballet D'Armour's yearling colt by Snitzel's Group I winning son Wandjina made $335,000 to the bid of China Horse Club at the 2017 Inglis Chairman's sale. After missing to Exceed And Excel in 2016 Ballet D'Amour (USA) was covered by Redoute's Choice last spring.
