First-up McEwen win for Russian Revolution

Mark Zahra rides Sydney sprinter Russian Revolution to victory in the McEwen Stakes.

One part of a two-race plan towards a start in The Everest has been achieved by Russian Revolution at Moonee Valley.

The Peter and Paul Snowden-trained galloper took out Saturday’s Group Two McEwen Stakes (1000m) at his first look at the Melbourne track.

Now the Snowdens have the Group One Moir Stakes over the same course and distance on September 29 as their next target.

That could well determine whether the son of Snitzel gains a start in the $10 million Everest at Randwick next month.

Ridden by Mark Zahra, Russian Revolution ($3.40) scored by 1-1/4 lengths from Heatherly ($7.50) with the $2.45 favourite Houtzen 1-1/4 lengths away third.

Paul Snowden said the McEwen Stakes was targeted for a purpose.

“It was a bit of a barrier trial for the Moir as it would give us a good indication of how he’d handle it,” Snowden said.

“He jumped well, put himself there which was always the pre-race plan.”

Snowden knows the Moir Stakes will be a much tougher assignment, but noted there was a lot of improvement to come from the four-year-old.

Snowden added the three races targeted races for Russian Revolution were important for a strong ownership group that includes China Horse Club.

“They’re big-race clients who own this horse and they want to be in the big races,” Snowden said.

“The Moir is going to be a crucial lead up and it’s going to be a lot stronger than what it has been in previous years.

“If he doesn’t make The Everest then we’ll come back and run him down the straight during the carnival.”

Craig Williams, who rode the favourite Houtzen, said filly stuck to her task well at her first run since finishing fifth in the Golden Slipper in March.

“Around the turn I thought she was going to run last but it’s a credit to her ability and toughness that she stuck on well for third,” Williams said.