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Archer's Up lands gamble in claimer

Archer's Up (Oisin Orr) draws clear in the claimerArcher's Up (Oisin Orr) draws clear in the claimer
© Photo Healy Racing

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)

1st
6/1
Tote €5.60 €1.80
2nd
3.25L
5/1
€1.70
3rd
1.25L
7/2JFav
€1.10
4th
4.25L
8/1
bf
hd
7/2JFav
About Alan Magee
Alan has worked in the racing industry for well over 30 years including with the Sporting Life, Turform and Irish Racing Services. He took up his current role as Irish Racing Team Leader with the Press Association in 2013. He has a keen interest in most sports and plays golf.