Russian Revolution on target for G1 Moir

Russian Revolution has already proven his effectiveness at Moonee Valley and the sprinter has continued preparations for his next Group One assignment with a solo work-out at the Melbourne track.

The Peter and Paul Snowden-trained horse won the Group Two McEwen Stakes (1000m) at Moonee Valley at his first start at the track on September 9.

As in the lead-up to that race, his trainers opted to take him to the course for a gallop in preparation for Friday night’s Moir Stakes (1000m).

Paul Snowden said Monday’s hit-out wasn’t so much for experience but an opportunity to give him a short float trip and a gallop to top him off for the $500,000 race.

“He did a fair bit of work late last week,” Snowden said.

“Today was just a similar sort of routine to what we did the other week.

“It was just a nice, cruisy breeze around. He wasn’t asked to do much but it was mainly just getting himself prepared for Friday night.

“It just tops him off.

“He handles the track super. He loves it.”

Russian Revolution, the winner of six of his nine starts including the Group One Galaxy (1100m) at Rosehill in March, beat Heatherly and Houtzen in a field of six in the McEwen.

He is set to face an even stiffer task with 24 nominations for the Moir which has a maximum field of 13.

Entries are headlined by Golden Slipper winner She Will Reign, dual Group One winners Terravista and Malaguerra, and Oakleigh Plate winner Sheidel.

“He’s a talented horse and he won accordingly the other day,” Snowden said.

“Class prevailed. But he’s going to have to be on his game again on Friday night. A lovely barrier would certainly enhance his chances a lot.

“He’s a pretty good colt and it would be lovely if he could get another Group One.”

This year’s Moir will be the first time since 2011 the now-retired Queensland star Buffering, a three-time Moir winner, will not be lining up.

Russian Revolution was one of four horses nominated for the Moir to gallop at the course on Monday along with Ability, Rock Magic and Super Too.

Hugh Bowman will ride Russian Revolution in a race for the first time on Friday but has ridden him in barrier trials.