By Dane Squance
Two from two at the distance and two from three at the track, last start G1 The Galaxy winner Russian Revolution (Aus) (Snitzel {Aus}) is the colt on the up, and with likely improvement second-up, he looks more than capable of tackling a class field in the G1 TJ Smith S. (1200m). Having already assured his position as a valuable stallion commodity after his last start win, a further victory would stamp himself as one of the hottest prospects when he retires to the breeding shed.
Third last year in the same race behind Chautauqua (Aus) (Encosta de Lago {Aus}) and Fell Swoop (Aus) (Not A Single Doubt {Aus}), with both lining up on Saturday, Group 1-winning mare English (Aus) (Encosta de Lago {Aus}) has a sense of timing about her heading into the race third-up where the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained runner could add a significant pedigree boost to her Redoute's Choice (Aus) (Danehill) half-sister set to sell at Inglis Easter as lot 87.
With impressive victories in the last two editions of the G1 TJ Smith S., rising 7-year-old Chautauqua has been a lesser version of himself since his outstanding performance in Hong Kong in May last year. Dropping back from the 1500m of the G1 George Ryder when beaten over eight lengths by Winx (Aus) (Street Cry {Ire}), Chautauqua really needs to improve to take the race, but the Champion Sprinter can't be discounted. Looking to assure his place at stud with his first Group 1 victory, talented sprinter Tivaci (Aus) (High Chaparral {Ire}) was a solid closing fifth in the G1 Newmarket H. last time and if he can handle the heavy track conditions, he can be working home late at good odds.
Trainer Darren Weir recently broke his NSW training duck, and his lone runner in the TJ Smith, Voodoo Lad (Aus) (I Am Invincible {Aus}) has only been out of the top three once in 19 starts so can't be ignored, especially after his pleasing first-up second in the G1 Newmarket H. at Flemington. With connections saying all week that Group 1-winning colt Astern (Aus) (Medaglia d'Oro) would not start on a very heavy track, confidence is not high as the track is bound to be in that range if he does start. An outstanding colt on his day and one of the best of his age group, if connections do allow him to start, then he should be watched.
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