News

Moody Aims Archer At Blue Diamond

28th Dec 2010

Cyberhorse - Carl Di Iorio - Sunday, 26 December 2010

Golden Archer showed why he is considered by some as early Blue Diamond favourite with an effortless win in the $70,000 Sportingbet Plate (1000m) for two-year-olds at Caulfield on Sunday.

Luke Nolen immediately took the Peter Moody-trained galloper to the front from the outside alley in the six-horse field and Golden Archer cruised into the straight under a strong hold before quickening nicely in the straight to win comfortably.

Golden Archer ($1.30 fav) defeated the only other last start winner in the field Flor Do Mar ($10-$13) who ran on late to finish 2-1/2 lengths behind the winner.

Hot Spin ($6-$10) finished second behind Golden Archer last start but could only manage to hold down third today, ahead of the late closing Bladon ($15-$19) a further half head away.

Following his debut victory at Flemington, Nolen drew comparisons of Golden Archer with 2009 Blue Diamond winner Reward For Effort.

Nolen continued to believe the son of Rock Of Gibraltar would be ultra-competitive in the Victoria’s most prestigious two-year-old race.

“He travelled well today and I just showed him the whip and he did what he had to do,” Nolen said.

“He’s got a fantastic racing style and I think he possess a lot of natural ability.

“He’ll win a lot more races.

“Hopefully he’ll be entered for the Blue Diamond and look the winner at some stage.”

Moody purchased the galloper for $80,000 at the 2010 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale (pictured) and then sold him on to stable clients.

“He did all that he was asked to do,” Moody said.

“I said to Luke that there’s no value in trying to gap them or do anything like that. Let’s try and allow him to learn a bit more again today and take something away from it.

“He’ll take a lot away from today and he’ll have a week to ten days off (in the paddock) and be back in late January or early February for either one of the Blue Diamond Previews or Preludes.

“I’m just going to be guided by him,” he added.

Golden Archer is the first foal from Pins mare Vienetta who won five times from 1200 metres to 1400 metres in New Zealand.

He has raced two times for two wins with prizemoney now in excess of $80,000.