ARCHO NACHO SCORES BRILLIANT WIN IN THE POSEIDON STAKES
It was a special win for Matt Laurie at Flemington yesterday, with Archo Nacho's brilliant victory in the Winning Edge Presentations Poseidon Stakes (LR) over 1100m. Purchased at the Inglis Great Southern Weanling sale for a modest $10,000 by Matt, he & partner Kate recently knocked back a lucrative offer to sell to Hong Kong after the gelding's first two impressive starts.
That bold decision may just pay off with the possibility of a massive spring ahead for the Sioux Nation x Jackpot Queen gelding after his imposing win, beating a quality field of three-year-olds.
"I only bought this bloke because I had a half brother to him and he showed a bit of pace - he was a little bit mad - but I happened to pass this guy at the weanling sales and I thought why not?"
It was a fortuitous purchase as Archo Nacho has now won 2 races from 3 starts with an unlucky 2nd placing at Flemington where he flashed home late after being held up for a run. In that start he also jumped from barrier one, something that Matt was concerned about prior to yesterday's race.
Jockey Ben Melham produced a perfect ride, jumping well and taking a sit behind the leader. The field moved off the rails, leaving Archo Nacho clear running on the inside and when asked to go at the 300 metre mark, he was able to career away, quickly putting over a length and a half on the field.
After the win, Matt was clearly moved by the gelding's brilliant effort in overcoming a crack 3yo field. "When we got him going (as a 2yo), it was really evident he had a good turn of foot. To watch what has unfolded is a massive thrill." "The kids just love him to bits and he's named after our youngest son, so it is exciting."
Melham heaped praise on the horse post race. "He's a very good horse, this horse. He's still doing it all on natural raw ability. He's got a good will to win and a good engine, but he's not all there; he's not the finished product yet". "It's a good job to win like that in a quality field. It's just that I know how much improvement there is to come in the horse."
Matt and team now have to decide as to whether to saddle up for another run prior to the Coolmore Stud Stakes on Derby Day in 6 weeks time. When asked Matt was quick not to commit either way. "We'll worry about that later and enjoy now."
Watch Archo Nacho's win in the Poseidon Stakes below.
Archo Nacho - Winning Edge Presentations Poseidon Stakes (Listed), 1100m 16 September 2023
[17/09/2023]
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