First past the post by just half a head was the Peter and Paul Snowden trained three year-old High Chaparral (IRE) gelding California Archer, who made it two wins in as many starts when downing Lady Dane.
The winner was an easy debut victor at Newcastle last month and was sent out a
short priced favourite for the 1300 metre contest, but he had his work cut out
for him to beat the Joe Pride trained Lady Dane.A half-sister to Group I placed stakes-winner Ladys Angel, Lady Dane wouldn't go away and her turn will come.
California Archer was a $420,000 Inglis Easter purchase from the Coolmore draft for Asian Bloodstock Services and is the sixth winner from Sarasota, a full sister to champion sire Fastnet Rock.
Coolmore sold the current yearling from Sarasota, a colt by Pierro, at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale last week for $300,000 to Asian Bloodstock Services.
California Archer is another bright prospect for the much missed High Chaparral, who sired foru stakes-winners worldwide last weekend including the Group I winner Charmont.
