“He’s still very green and immature but is certainly not without ability,” said Burridge. “I elected to dodge the big races like the 4YO Challenge races as I didn’t think he was quite ready for this company.

“I did consider the Patrons’ Bowl (first leg of the 4YO Challenge) at some stage, but I think he’s six months short of being seasoned enough for this kind of race.

"He should be able to get 2000m without any problem."

Sent an $11 favourite in the small eight-horse field, Russian Safari with Matthew Kellady in the irons, had a beautiful sit on leader Mighty Servant (Jainullah Farook) for most of the way.

Turning for home, Mighty Servant extended his lead, and for a fleeting moment, the favourite looked like he had the job ahead. But once Kellady wielded the stick, Russian Safari knuckled down to the task and pegged back the leader to coast to the line an easy two-length winner.

Mighty Servant showed he was back to form by holding on well for second while third place went to Schmeichel (Barend Vorster), ¾ length away.

Passed in at NZ$6,000 as a two-year-old, Russian Safari has proven to be a profitable buy for the Vivo Stable, having now collected close to $90,000 in prize money.

Kellady, who had a full book of rides for the day, was happy to have brought home a double, having earlier saluted on Kismet for his former mentor Don Baertschiger in Race 7.

“I’m glad trainers are giving me so much support. Ten rides seem like a lot but I’m glad it rained today and it wasn’t too hot out there,” said Kellady.

“It’s certainly worth getting a lot of rides when two of them hit the target! They sure help pay the bills!”

Russian Safari was ridden for the first time by Kellady as regular rider Danny Beasley is suspended.

“This horse has gears. I wasn’t worried when the leader pulled away at the top of the straight,” said Kellady.

“I knew he would come back to me and all I had to do was to keep my mount focused to the line.”