The success story of Spartan Arrow continues to grow with this year’s two-time winner giving his owners a great Derby Day at Epsom on Saturday.
Having risen to a rating of 99 after this year’s good run of form, which included an easy at Epsom’s opening meeting of the year, the 17,000gns recruit from last year’s in-training sales arrived as a leading contender for the hugely valuable ‘Dash’ handicap, the race that precedes the Derby itself.
Sent off at just 6/1 under Hollie Doyle, Spartan Arrow broke with his customary rapid speed and was soon travelling notably well in a prominent position near the stands side rail.
As the race developed, Hollie bided her time before delivering Spartan Arrow with a strong run.
Disputing the lead entering the final furlong, this likeable five-year-old found generously for pressure, galloping on well to the line but just failed to concede 3lb to the winner.
To finish runner-up in such a competitive handicap sprint at one of the Flat season’s biggest meetings was a huge thrill for Spartan Arrow’s horse racing syndicate and gave them a great Derby Day to remember at the weekend.
Going forward, there should be plenty more big days to enjoy for Spartan Arrow’s owners, with Archie now setting his sights on Listed race later this month as the bargain buy makes his debut in Stakes company.
With a Timeform rating of 109 beside his name he very much deserves his chance to shine in better class company, and it will be fascinating to see how our latest bargain horses in training recruit gets on in his first Listed race.
