Russian Revolution wins 2017 Mitty’s McEwen Stakes Group 2 $200,000 at Moonee Valley (VIC), 1000m.
The only Group One winner in a small but quality field, Russian Revolution was too good, winning his sixth from nine starts. From barrier four, he jumped best however rider Mark Zahra eased him slightly to settle a close second, one out, then allowed the leader (Heatherly) to draw out by a length at the 700m. With 300m to run, Zahra crept a little closer then pressured the leader once into the straight where they cruised alongside, put his head in front at the 100m then came away to win convincingly.
Heatherly led soon after the start, was taken on as they straightened and while no chance with the winner, fought well for a solid second from Houtzen, the three-year-old filly, who was handy but three wide from the outset, seemed flat turning in yet found more in the straight for a good fresh-up third.
Missrock was second last turning in, accelerated quite well between runners but faded just short of the line for fourth.
