Diva trial for Russian

THE Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington shapes as a springboard for established Group 1 performer Vow And Declare and a fork in the road for rising star Russian Camelot.

Trainer Danny O’Brien was delighted with the pair after a 1200m gallop between races at Geelong on Friday.

O’Brien rarely pits Melbourne Cup winner Vow And Declare against SA Derby conqueror Russian Camelot in work but an understated restricted provincial meeting on a Good 4 surface provided an ideal pre-spring hitout.

“As much as anything, they were here to have a day out,” he said.

“Vow And Declare led the gallop because he likes to bowl along and Russian Camelot just sat back off him. I’d have to go back and analyse the sectionals, but they really seemed to enjoy it and appeared comfortable.

“Damien (Oliver) said Russian Camelot was very competitive and wanted to get up there to Vow And Declare (Daniel Moor) but he made sure he relaxed.

“They joined each other in the straight and went to the line with plenty in hand so it was the perfect piece of work.”

O’Brien said the Makybe Diva Stakes would provide a gauge of how Russian Camelot measured up before a possible Cox Plate assignment on October 24.

Alternatively, he could be set for the October 17 Caulfield Cup or the Melbourne Cup on November 3.

Vow And Declare will bid to join Archer, Peter Pan, Rain Lover, Think Big and Makybe Diva as a multiple winner of the 3200m handicap.