Crown of Russia: Derby Dreams in Motion

Crown of Russia: A Stayer on the Rise

Few young horses have made an impression quite like Crown of Russia. By the emerging sire Russian Camelot and out of the mare Triple Tiara, herself by Camelot, this three-year-old colt boasts a pedigree steeped in classic staying bloodlines.

From the outset, it was clear Crown of Russia was bred to get over ground. Since joining the stable of multiple Group 1-winning trainer Danny O’Brien, he has done nothing but impress.

A Promising Start

After a solid debut, Crown of Russia stamped himself as a colt of real potential with a dominant maiden victory at Bendigo over 1600m. On that occasion, he comfortably accounted for the hot $1.30 favourite, Autumn Mystery, a well-regarded filly who, like him, lined up in the VRC Derby Preview.

In the Preview, however, Autumn Mystery turned the tables and claimed victory, with Crown of Russia finishing fifth, just 2.41 lengths from the winner. Despite the result, there was plenty of merit in his performance, and the colt lost no admirers.

He then stepped up in class again, contesting the Listed Super Impose Stakes over 1800m at Flemington, where he finished a respectable 1.8 lengths off the winner. It was another performance full of promise from a wide barrier and leading all the way, grounding him nicely for what lies ahead.

The Road Ahead

Jockey Craig Williams, who has been aboard in each of his past three starts, noted post-race that the colt has “improved each time” and is “on the right path and ready for the next step.” Importantly, Williams has committed to sticking with him, and continues to speak highly of the colt's attitude and staying potential.

That next step was the 2040m G2 Moonee Valley Vase on Cox Plate Day, a crucial test that gave Crown of Russia every chance to show his true colours over a more suitable trip.

While the result wasn’t quite what we were hoping for, the run served its purpose as an end-of-preparation outing. He has continued to learn and progress with each start, and we’re confident he remains a horse with genuine staying promise.

He will now be gelded and head to the paddock for a well-deserved spell. The break will do him the world of good, and we look forward to seeing a stronger, more mature horse return in the autumn with the South Australian Derby shaping as a likely target.

Crown of Russia winning at Bendigo over 1600m