Mark Zahra has given Archo Nacho (+160) a perfect ride from the box seat in the Group 3 Red Anchor Stakes to bring up his fourth winning ride on Cox Plate Day at Moonee Valley.
The Matt Laurie-trained galloper wasn’t at his best at his last start down the Flemington straight, but he returned to winning ways in the Red Anchor, showing a liking for the tight, turning Valley track.
After jumping from barrier two, Zahra got the son of Sioux Nation to settle in the box seat behind Don’t Hope Do (+2500) and Snippety Legend (+1300), but once the gap appeared between them, the race favourite pushed through and took the lead.
The winner had to fight off the challenge of Maharba (+220) in the final 200m, but he proved a little too good in the final 100m, pulling clear to record a half-length victory in the final race on Cox Plate Day.
2023 Red Anchor Stakes Replay – Archo Nacho | T: Matt Laurie | J: Mark Zahra
Matt Laurie claimed his first winner of Cox Plate Day and he spoke post-race.
“I was a little bit worried there,” Laurie said.
“They looked to drop anchor and we were waiting on a run.
“He has a great turn-of-foot and it is good to see Archo back.
“I had his half-brother. He showed a bit of pace, didn’t eventuate.
“I just happened to find this bloke at the weanling sale and I bought him for $10,000.
“So we threw him in a paddock and this is where we’re at. It’s a good story.”
Mark Zahra claimed riding honours on Cox Plate Day, riding four winners for the day.
“I had a very economical run. I spent nothing,” Zahra said of his ride on Archo Nacho.
“Just needed to squeeze through the gap at the right time.
“He’s a pretty talented horse, this guy, if you take out his last run and he was strong at the end.
“I wouldn’t go to a Coolmore. You’ve got to back up then.
“I know the money is great but I think he just finds his way to another 1200-metre race.”
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