Archives has stamped himself as one to watch Doomben Racecourse this afternoon with an impressive late kick for success in the Listed Hampden Stakes (1200m).

Archives (inside) poked clear on the line to beat Jericho on the line in the Hampden Stakes this afternoon. Photo: Daniel Costello

Archives had made only one competitive start leading into the Hampden Stakes, but appeared as though he had already figured out his trade when jumping well and taking a good position on the fence, on the heels of Baltic Whisper and Redouble.

Hugging the rails rounding onto the final straight, jockey James McDonald allowed the colt ample time to balance before asking for an extra effort but locked in a fierce late sprint battle with Jericho; bobbing his head at the right time to post a maiden black type win.

McDonald will ride race favourite Hauraki in the Group 1 Doomben Cup this afternoon, and was pleased to post a win early in the day.

“He’s a big, raw bugger and has a lot to learn,” McDonald said.

“He’s got a bit of talent and a great start for Helmet as a good, progressive sire.

“He’s very raw, and a mile might be a big ask for him at this stage but no doubt in the future he’ll get it.”

Trainer John O’Shea was on hand for Archives maiden race win in the Hampden Stakes, and said he the horse will unlikely be set for a tilt at the Group 1 JJ Atkins (1600m) at Eagle Farm on June 11^th.

“He’s a lovely horse, he’s got a lovely demeanour and it’s a great testament to his stallion Helmet,” O’Shea said after the race.

“He did have a cushy run and fair play to the second horse because he came from back in the field.

“He’s still learning his trade our little fella, and it was very encouraging when he was challenged that he went on with it.

“He had a float trip up from Sydney during the week, he’s had a nice day out and we might just give him an easy week and bring him back in a fortnight over 1400m and see how that plays out for him.”

Archives has now posted a win and a minor through his two start career, since first appearing on course at Rosehill Gardens a fortnight ago.

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2016 Hampden Stakes Results