Trainer tips bright future for talented ‘bargain buy’
Trainer Richie Stephenson predicted better things ahead for Archie’s Son after the lightly raced Toowoomba three-year-old continued on his winning way at Clifford Park on Saturday night.
Archie’s Son ($8) made it successive Clifford Park wins with a strong performance in the Audi Centre Toowoomba Class 1 Handicap (1000m).
After forging to the front on straightening Archie’s Son found plenty for Kenji Yoshida to keep his challengers at bay for a length victory.
Splash Of Cristal ($18) got home solidly for second while Atomic Missile ($13) found the line late to finish a half length away third.
The win of Archie’s Son was his second from only three starts and continues Stephenson’s successful association with Victorian contact Darren Freyer.
“I bought this horse very cheap — for a handful of silver virtually — from a good contact down south, Darren Freyer,” Stephenson said.
“He is a good friend of Darren Weir and I’ve bought a lot of horses off him over the years.
“I’ve won a lot of races with them as well, but I don’t persevere too long with horses these days.
“If they don’t measure up I’m happy to move them on.
“It’s no good hanging on to them if they can’t measure up.
“But this bloke is going in the right direction.
“He’s still very foalish and has plenty more to learn.
“I’ll give him a couple more runs and then put him away.
“I think he’ll come back a pretty nice horse.”
Toowoomba trainer Troy Pascoe picked up a welcome Magic Milllions day consolation when Bred For Luck snatched a late win in the Rangeville A1 Women Class 2 Handicap (1210m).
Bred For Luck ($8.50) came with a well-timed run from near the tail on straightening for Beau Appo to score by a long neck.
Sir Bam ($3.20) fought on gamely for second after looming strongly inside the final 200m with race leader Wake Up Sailor ($7.50) holding on for third, another 11⁄2 lengths back third.
Pascoe missed the win after saddling I’m Alone earlier in the day when he finished unplaced in the Magic Millions Country Cup at the Gold Coast.
Jockey Nozi Tomizawa also finished his Millions day on a successful note after returning to Clifford Park following his unplaced Gold Coast rides on I’m Alone and Sylpheed.
Tomizawa teamed with Toowoomba trainer Steve Tegea to steer Rhyming back into the winner’s stall with a copybook ride in the Pryde’s Easifeed Benchmark 70 Handicap (1110m).
But this bloke is going in the right direction.
— Richie Stephenson