Russian Camelot becomes first Northern Hemisphere-bred to win a derby in Australia

The Irish-bred colt Russian Camelot won his Group 1 debut in Saturday’s South Australian Derby at Morphettville creating Australian history as the first Northern Hemisphere-bred to win a derby in Australia.

Russian Camelot faced Southern Hemisphere rivals who are several months older. Russian Camelot was foaled in March 2017, while runner-up Dalasan was foaled in October 2016 and is five months older than the winner.

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Ridden by John Allen, Russian Camelot finished 1 3/4 lengths in front of Dalasan in the field of 12. The $257,200 South Australian Derby was run at 1 9/16 miles and was Russian Camelot’s third win in five starts. He paid $5.20 as the favorite in North American pools.

Allen kept Russian Camelot wide before moving closer to the front in the final three furlongs. Russian Camelot took the lead in the final eighth of a mile. Dalasan, the 3-1 second choice, finished a length in front of 9-2 Warning in a formful race.

Russian Camelot, trained by Danny O’Brien, has been mentioned as a contender for the Group 1 Melbourne Cup at two miles at Flemington Racecourse on Nov. 3.

By Camelot, Russian Camelot started in the longest race of his career in the South Australian Derby. He was second in the listed Connoisseur Stakes at 1 1/8 miles at Flemington last November, in his second start when essentially racing as a 2-year-old, and won a minor handicap at a mile at Pakenham Racecourse on April 9 in his last start before the South Australian Derby.