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.”
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.
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).
