Archives heads Flemington prospects

With Australia’s best three-year-old sprinters battling it out in the G1 Golden Rose in Sydney, those aspiring to the top bracket will present their credentials in the G2 Danehill Stakes at Flemington on Saturday, September 10.

And among them are the Godolphin pair Archives (John O’Shea/Craig Williams) and Trenchant (John O’Shea/Michael Dee).

Of the two, Archives, the son of Darley Stallion Helmet, appears the most capable on the strength of his stakes win in Brisbane during the winter, after which he went for a break.

“He was a Listed winner in Brisbane during the winter in a race that didn’t look all that strong,” said Managing Director of Godolphin in Australia Henry Plumptre.

“But he’s very genuine and this race gives him a great chance to show us what level he’s capable of reaching.”

Archives had finished third at Rosehill at his only start before the Brisbane win while Trenchant comes into the Danehill having won two on end, both at Flemington.

“Trenchant has shown good ability and plenty of promise, but he’s on his way to staying trips and might find these a bit sharp for him,” Plumptre said.

Flemington’s straight 1200 metres has also been chosen for Generalife (John O’Shea/Craig Williams) in the G2 Bobbie Lewis Quality.

"Generalife’s Autumn campaign was interrupted by a leg infection and he returned from a lengthy spell with an even effort last month."

Trainer John O’Shea will assess Generalife’s Spring prospects after this run, with a view to running in the G2 Linlithgow Stakes during the Melbourne Cup carnival.

Another three-year-old to by-pass the G1 in Sydney in favour of an easier race in Melbourne is Tessera (John O’Shea/Craig Williams), who runs in the Listed Starlight Express Room Stakes.

The Flemington team is completed by Nozomi (Lee and Anthony Freedman) who returns to racing in the Listed Sofitel Stakes.