ARCHDEACON went to Chelmsford last night as favourite for a 1m2f handicap and broke his duck in fine style romping home by five lengths.
The 3yo son of Archipenko was a shade unlucky at Wolverhampton last time out when second, beaten just a neck after not getting a clear run. Kieran O’Neill who was in the saddle on that occasion was on board again and Archdeacon, who was always travelling well for him, made no mistake this time around
Drawn nicely in five, he chased the leaders and travelling the best three furlongs out, switched right and was ridden to lead over a furlong from home. He was soon in command and despite drifting a little to the right inside the distance, he won comfortably from runner-up, Picture Poet. This was only the horse’s ninth run and judge on yesterday’s evidence, he could win again, although he is sure to face a hike in the weights by the handicapper. Congratulations to owners, K T Ivory and Michael Yarrow.
This was the 18th win of the campaign for Harper Lodge Farm and the sixth in May which can sometimes be a quiet month for the stable due to the high levels of local rape seed crops which affect some horses’ breathing. Fortunately, there seems to be less of it around this year.
The yard also had two other runners at Chelmsford with Red Cossack second under Joey Haynes in a a 7f handicap while Villette picked up some prize money for coming fourth in another 1m2f handicap with Joey Haynes also on board.
Earlier in the afternoon, Dancinginthewoods ran a creditable race to be fourth in the 6f Woodcote Stakes at Epsom. He was unable to go the pace in this sprint which was run at a furious gallop early on and would definitely appreciate a step up in trip to seven furlongs.