2yo filly Russian Benefits began her career in perfect style, scoring an exciting last to first win at today’s metro meeting at Mornington.
She has been showing plenty of ability in her jumpouts and work on the training track, and the result today vindicated the high opinion the team have of her.
Michael felt she is a horse best ridden cold and jockey Brett Prebble followed his instructions perfectly, allowing her to settle at the rear of the field and relax into a nice rhythm. Handling the testing Heavy 10 conditions well, she showed a good turn of foot when the gap finally opened in the straight, ducking and weaving to the inside of horses and storming to the lead before holding off a more experienced opponent.
There was plenty to like about yesterday’s performance, and with natural improvement still to come, the team will now be able to look towards the Spring with confidence.
A $100k purchase at the 2021 Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale, the team first laid eyes on Russian Benefits when inspecting her on-site at Morning Rise Stud and she was at the top of their list to get from that sale. An enormous amount of time is spent inspecting yearlings at the sales, from scrutinising their confirmation, watching the way they move, to studying their pedigree, so it is hugely satisfying to see the hard work come to fruition.
To view Russian Benefits race, click here