Russian Rock ready for Caulfield challenge

Michael Trotter, the trainer from Cranbourne, was abroad when he received a telephone call from acclaimed jockey Craig Williams.

This call came not long after Trotter's three-year-old colt, Russian Rock, had competed in the Stutt Stakes (1600m) at Caulfield on September 27.

Following Adam McCabe's suspension for causing interference during that particular race, Williams was quick to express his interest in riding the three-year-old in its upcoming engagement.

That next race is this Saturday, where Russian Rock is slated to contest the Group 3 Sportsbet Classic (2000m).

"He rang me Sunday night after the races. He was all over it," Trotter commented on Williams' initiative.

"We've had quite a bit of luck over the journey and it's always good when he's ringing me.

"I was actually overseas having a break when he rang and then I was home less than 24 hours when he rang again to confirm it."

The combination of Williams and Trotter has proven to be successful.

Together, they have achieved four victories, equating to a strike-rate of almost 27%, and a placing strike-rate of 33%.

Russian Rock has competed in just three races to date.

He secured a placing as a $71 outsider at Sandown on debut in March, and then made his return with a victory in a 1450m maiden at Kilmore on September 13, a fortnight before his fifth-place finish in the Stutt Stakes.

"He's certainly improved since that last run," Trotter noted.

"He's still learning what it's all about. He's only three runs into his racing career and he's showing that he's already looking for the 2000 metres."

Considering the Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington on October 31, Trotter indicated this is the primary objective.

"That's probably the ultimate goal at the end of the day, but we'll see how it pans out," Trotter said.

"If he runs well on Saturday, we'll keep pushing forward.

"Craig has already plotted the path, it's just whether the horse can get the job done."

With the Sportsbet Classic on the horizon, punters are checking out the available Australian betting sites for the best odds.