Twelve days after winning the Listed Canberra Cup, the six-year-old Lope De Vega gelding Arapaho (FR) scaled the heights to Group 1 success in the Kia Tancred Stakes (2400m) at Rosehill.
Ridden by Rachel King for Bjorn Baker, Arapaho defeated the 5yo Kermadec mare Montefiliaby a short-neck, with the 5yo Frankel gelding King Frankel three-quarters of a length back in third.
With his breakthrough at the highest level, Arapaho (FR) advances his record to eight wins, five seconds, and three thirds from 31 starts with earnings of $1,864,200.
“I’m absolutely thrilled, he’s been a great horse,” Baker said.
“This time last year, we were hoping to win about a benchmark 70 race, so it’s worked out well.
“He travelled beautifully and Rachel (King) got it right. She just puts him in the zone, she really suits him.
“They are a great team of owners; we’re going to have some fun.”
Rachel King said she has no doubt Arapaho will run the 3200m of the Sydney Cup.
“I just know he’s got the biggest heart ever this horse,” King said.
“He’s not the biggest in himself. I said on the way here whenever Arapaho is running it’s a good day because you know he will try his hardest. He certainly showed them what he can do today.
“He’s been a superstar to me. Thanks to the owners and Bjorn (Baker), everyone at home has done a fantastic job.
“This horse has improved to no end this preparation. He’s the prime example of a happy horse who’ll run his heart out every time. No matter what he gives you 110 percent every start. He’s never run a bad race for me. He took me around in a Melbourne Cup last year (11th), and he’ll be back there a bit more competitive this year.”
“He’s a unique kind of stayer, he has a very good turn of foot.”
The 6yo son of Lope De Vega (IRE) was a Listed winner at Deauville at three for Andre Fabre.
Bjorn Baker Racing/Avenue Bloodstock/Clarke Bloodstock shelled out €140,000 for Arapaho (FR) at the 2020 Arqana Autumn Sale.
He is a half-brother to Listed winner Alula Borealus (Kendargent) and stakes-placed Athabascan (Almanzor), out of the Listed Saint-Cloud Prix Dahlia winner Alzubra (Dansili).
Arapaho is the 18th Group 1 winner for Ballylinch Stud's Lope De Vega.
Images: Lisa Grimm Photography
