RUSSIAN ENHANCES REPUTATION IN EPIC DUEL

After an unprecedented build-up to the race, The All-Star Mile on Saturday delivered the epic contest worthy of every bit of its $5 million prizemoney when Mugatoo edged out Russian Camelot in possibly the race of the season.

Not only are Mugatoo and Russian Camelot among the best horses in the land, they were handled by two of two best in Hugh Bowman and Damien Oliver, with both jockeys producing remarkable rides to find gaps and give their charges every chance of victory on a worsening Soft track at The Valley.

Four-time Cox Plate winner Bowman eventually claimed the prize when Mugatoo found his way clear on turning for home and held off Russian Camelot, who had been the beneficiary of a wonderful Oliver ride as he came off the inside fence to be produced to challenge three and four-wide on the home turn.

On the line, Mugatoo ($8), who made his way into the race via a wildcard, held a half-length advantage over Russian Camelot ($4.20), with three-and-a-quarter lengths to early leader Behemoth ($15) in third place.

Trainer Danny O’Brien was beaming with pride for his horse despite the defeat.

“You can’t ask for much more than that. What an enormous run, he ran out of his skin,” O’Brien said.

“But that’s what he does every time he’s at the races, he’s just a good horse. Both Russian and Mugatoo loomed into it. They’d have to be happy with that as the All-Star Mile, what a race it was.”

O’Brien confirmed Russian Camelot would head to Sydney for the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (Group 1 2000m).

Story by Andrew Eddy for Racing.com

Pic by Racing Photos