Archer's Up lands gamble in claimer

Archer’s Up overcame a lengthy lay-off to land a nice touch in the Greyhound Racing Every Friday And Saturday Night At Dundalk Claiming Race.

The Archipenko gelding recorded his only previous win over this extended ten-furlong course and distance back in November 2016 and has been lightly-raced since.

However owner/trainer Dick Brabazon was obviously expecting a big run after a nine months break as the five-year-old was backed on track from 14/1 into 6/1.

Oisin Orr sent his mount past the front-running Nulife early in the straight, and the gelding stayed on really strongly inside the final furlong.

The gambled-on winner had three and a quarter lengths to spare over Elusive In Paris at the line, with 7/2 joint favourite Zaofu a further length and a quarter away in third.

Curragh-based Brabazon said, “He just went wrong last year. We were very disappointed because when he won his maiden we thought he'd make a really nice horse. Everything went wrong with him and I reckon he was just a sick horse and not healthy at all.

“We freshened him up and when I saw the conditions they suited as he won over course and distance. Whether I still own him in a few minutes is another thing but you take that chance in a claimer. At least we know he's an all-weather horse and it's a pity that it's the end of the season here.

“He's a well-bred horse, his dam was second in a Group 2, and he's entitled to be a nice horse but just went the wrong way. That's two runners I've had in claimers now and two winners.”

Unfortunately for Brabazon the winner was claimed by Gavin Cromwell for €10,000, while Zaofu was claimed by Eoin Doyle for the same amount.

(GC & AM)