Ollie given tactical freedom on Russian

DAMIEN Oliver will be given licence to ride Russian Camelot with freedom in the Group 1 Caulfield Stakes as the boom import looks to cement Cox Plate favouritism today.

Chasing his third Group 1 victory, Russian Camelot will face only five rivals in the 2000m race at Caulfield but trainer Danny O’Brien is unconcerned his stable star might fall victim to opposition tactics.

“I don’t think so. I think we’re drawn to get a nice run, whatever Damien wants to do,” O’Brien said.

“Whether he wants to be outside the leader or one out, one back, he should be in a position where he’s in control of his destiny.”

Gailo Chop, who returned to form with a tenacious fourth in the Underwood Stakes behind Russian Camelot on September 26, is among four horses in the Caulfield Stakes seeking Underwood revenge.

Humidor (second), Arcadia Queen (third) and Harbour Views (sixth) are the others to re-emerge from the Underwood Stakes.

Australian Derby winner Levendi is the only “newcomer” to join the fray as Russian Camelot attempts to emulate the deeds of Winx and So You Think by winning the Caulfield Stakes and the Cox Plate in the same year.

Winx notched the second of four triumphs at The Valley after beating just two rivals, Black Heart Bart and He Or She, in the 2016 Caulfield Stakes.

Six years earlier, So You Think downed Alcopop and Whobegotyou in a six-horse field at Caulfield before landing his second Cox Plate.

Russian Camelot firmed yesterday to $1.50 for the Caulfield Stakes and is a pronounced Cox Plate favourite at $2.90 ahead of internationals Armoury ($9) and Sir Dragonet ($10).

“(He) couldn’t be any better,” O’Brien said.