Cup champ works well

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,” O’Brien said.

“Vow And Declare led the gallop because he likes to bowl along in his work and Russian Camelot just sat back off him. They really seemed to enjoy it and appeared comfortable.”

O’Brien said the Makybe Diva Stakes on September 14 would gauge how Russian Camelot measured up against proven WFA gallopers.