Spring may still hold some glory for winged footballer Gary Ablett, who owns a share in Baron Archer, impressive winner of Sunday’s Schweppes Handicap at Sportingbet Park, reports Racing Network.
Trainer Jason Warren has spring aspirations for Baron Archer who made it two wins from as many starts after sustaining a long, strong run. He will target black-type races early in the new season with the three-year-old son of Written Tycoon.
He said as Baron Archer, who didn't make his debut until late last month, was such a big horse he continually went sore.
“He has a lovely big stride and really he still doesn’t know what he’s doing,” Warren said.
“He's always shown us a lot and the penny is just starting to drop. He’s still very raw and I think he’ll be better on top of the ground.”
Warren said Baron Archer, bred by some of his part-owners, would progress to a Saturday race at Caulfield on July 26 then, all going well, would step up to a “nice little black-type race”.
Jockey Ben Melham describes Baron Archer as “the biggest horse” he’s ever ridden.
“He’s still got no idea what he’s doing, but he stood them up a long way and it’s hard to pick them up today,” Melham said.
“He did a bit of work getting around them and (had) probably had enough on the line, but it was still a good effort.
“He was impressive.”
Baron Archer, a $7.50 chance, scored by 1¾ lengths from Magnus Lad, $7.50, with one and 1¾ lengths to Red Samurai, $11, third.
Kareeming, the $5 favourite, finished fourth, about 4½ lengths behind Baron Archer.