Censori has made a memorable first impression for trainer Danny O’Brien, scoring a meaningful midweek city win on debut at Sandown.
The three-year-old filly carries a significant pedigree, being by Russian Camelot — a top-class galloper for O’Brien and now a stallion based at Widden Stud.
Her victory marks Russian Camelot’s second individual winner, following the success of juvenile filly Morgana at Mornington in May, and continues momentum for the young sire.
Bred on Northern Hemisphere time, Russian Camelot is a son of Camelot, the dual Derby winner of both Epsom and the Curragh in 2012. His own racing resume includes a breakout performance in the South Australian Derby and a Group 1 triumph in the 2020 Underwood Stakes, along with a placing in the Cox Plate.
He was retired after a gallant second in the 2021 All-Star Mile and has since joined the stallion ranks at Widden Victoria, where he will stand for $16,500 (inc GST) in the 2025 breeding season.
O’Brien, who has retained a share in Censori, was clearly delighted with the result. “He’s a special horse for us and we’ve been really big supporters of him. Hopefully this gets the caravan rolling,” said stable representative Jack Howard.
With Jamie Melham aboard, Censori ($5) travelled sweetly behind the leaders before diving through on the fence to score over 1200 metres by three-quarters of a length.
She is the third foal from Berkshire Lady, a daughter of Star Witness, who placed in the 2019 Tasmanian Oaks and adds further depth to the filly’s pedigree page.
