Trainer David Vandyke has been thrilled with the form and class displayed by talented stayer Archean since his return to racing this time, and is confident he is capable of a competitive performance in the 2015 Grafton Cup (2350m) on July 9th.
David Vandyke is confident Archean is up to the class of the 2015 Grafton Cup. Photo: Daniel Costello
Posting three race wins and a further two minors through only nine career starts so far, Archean began his racing tenure under the guidance of leading European trainer Andre Fabre in 2013 before being purchased and transferred to the care of Vandyke Ahead of his 2014 campaign.
Having returned this time for seventh in a Warwick Farm minor over 1600m before taking out the More Than Ready @ Vinery BM70 (1900m) on Wednesday, Vandyke conceded the 2015 Grafton Cup is a big step-up in class for the four-year-old son of Arch but is confident it is within his means.
“I will throw him in the deep end, that way we’ll get a bit of a guide on where we should aim in the spring,” Vandyke told AAP.
“It’s an ambitious plan but he’s done everything right and he deserves a trip up there.
“It’s taken him a little while to adapt but he’s certainly there now.”
Danny Beasley took the ride on Archean in his return to the winner’s circle on Wednesday but Vandyke said he is yet to secure the services of the in-form hoop for the ride in the 2015 Grafton Cup.
“He’s got an offer to ride Bonfire (trained by Gai Waterhouse). We’ll see how that horse goes Saturday and he might ride for us if he wants. The offer is there,” he said.
Archean was unable to post much of a consistent run of form in his first campaign for Vandyke in 2014, but did manage to win the Ray White Commercial Plate (2000m) by more than a length in October and ended the preparation a credible third in the Pro-Ride Plate (2400m) on November 28th.
The 2015 Grafton Cup final field and barrier draw is due to be completed and released by midday, July 6th.
Sense Of Occasion ($5) remains outright favourite in early 2015 Grafton Cup betting markets at Ladbrokes.
