The $80,000 Grafton Guineas (1600m) is one of the highlight races at the annual Grafton Cup carnival and was won in commanding style by Russian Revolution gelding Rustemo in the Australian Bloodstock colours.
Trained by Kris Lees, Rustemo racked up three successive wins through May and June before finishing third in the Group III Winx Guineas at the Sunshine Coast.
Sent out favourite for this assignment with Aaron Bullock to ride, Rustemo produced a brilliant performance to race clear and win by five lengths going away taking his overall record to four wins and six placings from 14 starts with prizemoney just shy of $200,000.
A modest $25,000 Magic Millions purchase for Australian Bloodstock from Amarina Farm, Rustemo is the only winner from three foasl to race from Swertemo, a half-sister by Lookin at Lucky (USA) to stakes-winner Whispered Secret.
Russian Revolution has had an outstanding season with 136 winners of $9.6million and five stakes-winners in Australasia headed by Group I winners Lara Antipova and Libertad, who is now retired to stud.
Russian Revolution is exceptional value this spring at Newgate at a fee of $33,000.
.jpg)
