Russian Realm disappointed last time out but looks worth another chance at 5/1 in the 3.35 at Newamrket today now fitted with the hood for the first time and reunited with jockey Ryan Moore.
The gelding was a dual winner last season when trained by Sir Michael Stoute, and in the last of those successes easily landed a class 2 contest at Goodwood by 2 1/2 lengths in the hands of Moore.
Russian Realm went on to round of the year with a highly creditable eighth of 27 to Bronze Angel in an ultra-competitive class 2 contest at Ascot, before joining trainer David O’Meara for the start of this campaign.
The son of Dansili was sent off a well-backed 12/1 shot for the valuable class 2 Victoria Cup at Ascot on his first start for the in-form Yorkshire handler, and ran far better than his final finishing position suggests.
After being held-up in rear by jockey Richard Hughes, Russian Realm made smooth headway travelling strongly two from home before weakening and being allowed to come home in his own time to finish 14th of 12 to Speculative Bid.
It was an effort full of promise after 203 days on the sidelines, but Russian Realm failed to back it up when a well-beaten seventh of 9 to stable companion Fort Bastion 8 days ago at Ayr over 1m after drifting in the betting.
To me he ran far too free and saw too much daylight, and the drop back to 7f may well see him in a better light.
It’s also interesting that connections are now calling on the rvices of Moore, as he has ridden the horse to both his career successes and knows how to get the best out of him.
A mark of 95 should certainly not be beyond Russian Realm on the pick of his form in this class 3 contest, and if the combination of Moore and the headgear have the desired effect he is going to be hard to beat.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 3pts win Russian Realm (5/1 generally available – use BOG firms)
