Deserved Group 1 for Arapaho

The son of Lope De Vega was a €140,000 purchase by Avenue Bloodstock at the 2020 Arqana Autumn Sale in conjunction with his trainer Bjorn Baker and Clarke Bloodstock. At the time, Arapaho was a French Listed winner and he has continued to progress since then, with wins in the ACJC Premier’s Cup (G3), Canberra Cup (Listed) and Grafton Cup (Listed) preceding his Tancred triumph.

Overall, the A$1.953 million earner has won five races since his import for owners Bjorn Baker Racing, C E Holt et al.

Lining up as part of a 13-strong field in the Tancred, Australia’s only Group One weight-for-age 2400-metre contest, Arapaho travelled smoothly into the race under Rachel King and had enough in reserve to fend off the late challenge of the multiple Group One winner Montefilia.

“Absolutely thrilled, he’s been a great horse,” Bjorn Baker told Sky Sports Central. “He travelled beautifully, Rachel (King) got it right. She just puts him in the zone, she really suits him so fantastic.”

King added: “He’s got the biggest heart ever this horse, you know he’s going to try his hardest. He’s been a superstar to me. This horse has improved to no end this preparation. He’s the prime example of a happy horse and he’ll run his heart out every time.

“No matter what he gives you 110 per cent every start. He’s never run a bad race for me. He took me around in a Melbourne Cup last year. He’ll be back there a bit more competitive this year.”

Bred by Ecurie Peregrine SAS out of Alzubra, Arapaho becomes the 18th Group One winner for his sire Lope De Vega.