Phillip Stokes has not always been as complimentary towards Russian Dancer as what he was after his win at Sandown on Saturday.
It’s no surprise the Pakenham trainer had some nice things to say, given the gelding secured Stokes and connections a $275,000 payday when he ran down Toronto Terrier in the VOBIS Sires Guineas (1600m), which carried a total of $500,000 in stakes.
But he hasn’t always been in love with him. Stokes questioned his ability early, which he feared was justified when Russian Dancer finished a 10-3/4-length last in a Geelong maiden on debut.
He hasn’t missed a place in seven starts since, including four wins and earnings upward of $400,000.
“I can’t believe he’s done that,” Stokes said after Saturday’s win.
“He’s just a raceday horse. He doesn’t do anything at home and then he comes here and puts in something like that.”
The son of Impending came with a booming finish to run down Toronto Terrier, who shaped as the winner after dashing to the front midway down the straight.
But Russian Dancer ($9) reeled in the $4.20 second elect inside the 100m and went on to score by three-quarters-of-a-length with Shezatempest a further three lengths back third.
Zac Spain has ridden Russian Dancer at his past five starts and said his association with the galloper was important.
“He’s a horse that can hit a flat spot, which I was aware of riding him so many times, and I thought Jye (McNeil, rider of Toronto Terrier) pinched it on me at the top of the straight,” Spain said.
“But my bloke knuckled down deep late and he won quite easy on the line. He had his ears pricked and he’s so progressive.”
Given how strong Russian Dancer was at the end of 1600m, he said he would give consideration to a possible trip back to his home state for the $500,000 Group 1 South Australian Derby (2500m) on May 13.
“The only race that really comes up is the South Australian Derby, but he looks very good over a mile,” Stokes said.
“I’ll let the dust settle and work it out later.”
