Russell's Bold Group 1 Bid On Song

DARREN Russell's audacious bid to win Saturday night's Group 1 Stayers Topgun (725m) first up with Bago Bye Bye is coming together nicely.

Winner of the rich Gold Cup at Albion Park in June, Bago Bye Bye hasn't been seen since finishing third to Tornado Tears in the Group 3 Superstayers Invitational a week on from his breakthrough group 1 triumph.

"He had a chip in a hock removed after the Superstayers but he was back on the walker 10 days after surgery so he didn't miss a lot of work," Russell explained.

"I've had the Topgun planned now for about 10 weeks and touchwood I haven't had a hiccup, everything's gone to plan so far."

Bago Bye Bye's preparation towards Saturday's Stayers Topgun continued at Albion Park last Thursday night, recording a blistering 34.50 in a trial over the 600 metres.

"He went 34.55 at Albion Park the week before he won his first 700-metre race so he's right where I want him – it's a good guide," Russell added.

"He won't need another trial now. I'll just work him at home and we'll fly into Melbourne the (Friday) night before the race."

Winner of last year's Group 1 New Zealand Cup before returning to Australian shores to resume his career, Bago Bye Bye created a huge impression upon his local return, taking out a heat of the Australian Cup at The Meadows in a blistering 29.54.

Fourth in the group 1 final behind Dyna Patty, Bago Bye Bye returns to The Meadows next weekend for the first time since his Australian Cup tilt, a scenario that doesn't worry Russell in the slightest.

"That won't bother him, he flies first go at tracks and the experience earlier in the year will do him good," Russell added.

"It's an interesting race – we might be meeting some of the others at the right time.

"Being realistic he'll need to lead. He won't be winning if he's fourth or fifth going past the 600 metre boxes. I'm hoping I've got enough work into him, I think I have – the last 50 or so will be the question."