3 minute read

Trainer and jockey quotes following the Rogan Josh Handicap taken out by Somerset Maugham at Flemington on Saturday.

Race Result:

1st: Somerset Maugham (D Lane/D O'Brien) - $3.50 fav
2nd: Rainbow Thief (J Kah/M Moroney) - $5.50
3rd: Starouz (L Riordan/M Price & M Kent Jr) - $14

Winning Time: 1:47.54 Last 600m: 35.33

Margins: 1-1/4L x 3/4L

Somerset Maugham pic.twitter.com/Xifue3IrSM

— Racing.com (@Racing) December 12, 2020

Winning Trainer: Danny O'Brien (representative Ben Gleeson talking)

"It was a nice way to end the day. We've had a few horses knock on the door. It's good to see. He's been so ever consistent. It's full credit to the team at Barwon Heads and Flemington. He's been in work, I think it would be six months now, if not more, and he's ticked over so well and to have four wins in the prep, it's an outstanding effort."

Lord Stakes consideration?: "We'll see how he pulls up as he's had such a long prep now. He'll go back down to Barwon Heads now and Danny will assess and he possibly does deserve his chance at a better race like that. We'll let the horse do the talking."

On Russian Camelot: "He's super. He's actually sharing a paddock with Vow And Declare at the moment. It's a pretty nice paddock to be in. They're best of buddies at the moment. They follow each other around and they couldn't be happier. He'll have a couple of more weeks and then we'll get him back into work in the New Year. He's put on some nice size and can't wait to see a more furnish Russian Camelot in the autumn."

Winning Jockey: Damian Lane

How race unfolded: "Really well. He began OK, there was good speed. I was able to get into the running line, so it panned out well."

Getting back of Rainbow Thief: "He gave me a beautiful cart into the straight. I was confident a long way out.."

First time on him since Sale win and on improvement: "Typical of O'Brien Racing and placing them really well and giving these horses confidence going through their grades. He's really progressed and is a horse that tends to love being in work and loves racing. Hopefully there's more wins yet."