Lope De Vega's Arapaho Spaces Them In Grafton Cup

Mark Smith - Thursday July 14

While Arapaho (FR) has won just two of his thirteen starts since his importation, the son of Lope De Vega (IRE) has returned his €140,000 purchase price back with interest highlighted by runaway victory in Thursday’s $200,000 Listed Southside Pharmacy Grafton Cup (2350m).

Ridden by Rachel King for Bjorn Baker, Arapaho (FR) came with a sweeping run on the home turn to defeat Rebel Rama (Dissident) by two and a half lengths, with Dr Drill (GB) (Dansil) one and a quarter lengths back in third.

“They did not go overly fast in the first half when Gai’s horse (Youth Spirit) went forward and put a bit of pressure on,” King said.

“It helped him relax a little more, and he was bolting at the half mile.

“I tried to be as patient as possible, but I knew he was a fit horse, and I was able to press the button a little earlier than ideal.

“I was confident the way he was travelling. I knew he would really let down and take something pretty good to run him down from there.”   

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Arapaho had more than useful form in France for Andre Fabre. He won his first two starts at two at Deauville and Saint-Cloud and was runner-up at Listed level at Deauville.

The son of Lope De Vega (IRE) was a Listed winner at Deauville at three. After finishing last in a Listed event at Saint-Cloud, Arapaho (FR) was consigned to the 2020 Arqana Autumn Sale, where Bjorn Baker Racing/Avenue Bloodstock/Clarke Bloodstock had the final say at €140,000.

Arapaho (FR) looking a sound buy for €140,000 at Arqana

With his second stakes success, Arapaho (FR) advances his record to five wins, three seconds, and two thirds from 20 starts with earnings of $406,750.

Bred by Ecurie Peregrine, the 5yo gelding is a half-brother to stakes-placed Alula Borealis (Kendargent) out of the Listed Prix Dahlia winner Alzubra (Dansili).

Arapaho (FR) is one of 99 stakes-winner for Ballylinch Stud’s Lope De Vega (IRE). The son of Shamardal (USA) shuttled to Australia for four seasons (2011-14).  

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Race Result - Southside Pharmacy Grafton Cup LR 2350m

Grafton Track: Soft(5) Time: 2:25.89
1
Arapaho
- 5g Lope De Vega (IRE) x Alzubra (GB) (Dansili (GB))
Tnr: Bjorn Baker Rdr: Rachel King 54
2
2.5
Rebel Rama
- 4m Dissident (AUS) x Mossarama (AUS) (Mossman (AUS))
Tnr: M C Conners Rdr: Ashley Morgan 54
3
3.8
Dr Drill
- 7g Dansili (GB) x Pongee (GB) (Barathea (IRE))
Tnr: C Maher & D Eustace Rdr: K S Latham 58
4
4.7
Honorable Spirit
- 5g Charm Spirit (IRE) x Z'honor (NZ) (Zabeel (NZ))
Tnr: J C Smerdon Rdr: L P Rolls 54
5
5.6
Ballistic Boy
- 5g Smart Missile (AUS) x Magical Mist (NZ) (High Chaparral (IRE))
Tnr: Chris Anderson Rdr: J R Collett 56.5
6
6.2
Berdibek
- 8g Dark Angel (IRE) x Beraviyna (IRE) (Zamindar (USA))
Tnr: J A O'Shea Rdr: J Bowman 58.5
7
6.4
Smart Meteor
- 5g Smart Missile (AUS) x Tempting Lady (AUS) (Northern Meteor (AUS))
Tnr: Chris Munce Rdr: Brock Ryan 55
8
7.7
Youth Spirit
- 4h Camelot (GB) x Rocana (GB) (Fastnet Rock (AUS))
Tnr: G Waterhouse & A Bott Rdr: Jean Van Overmeire 54.5
9
7.8
Bold Contender
- 5g Ocean Park (NZ) x Striptease (NZ) (Danasinga (AUS))
Tnr: A Parramore Rdr: B Looker 54
10
9.4
Alakahan
- 6g Motivator (GB) x Aliyama (IRE) (Red Ransom (USA))
Tnr: Richard & Will Freedman Rdr: A Adkins 54
11
33.3
Rahaan
- 5m Mulaazem (AUS) x Parclose (FR) (Loup Solitaire (USA))
Tnr: Ms J Pratten Rdr: Ms M Weir 54
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