Three-year-old gelding Arcadia Park (NZ) (Ocean Park) proved the superior stayer when taking out the Listed Belmont Classic (2200m) in impressive style on Saturday.
Ridden by Clint Johnston-Porter, Arcadia Park worked to the front inside the final furlong and despite a determined chase from the well-fancied filly Fancy Red, proved too tough in the run home to score by just over a length.
Arcadia Park continued his winning ways, notching a hat trick of victories and second straight feature after claiming the Listed Aquanita Stakes (2019m) at Bunbury for trainer Michael Grantham and owner-breeder, Bob Peters.
Royal Trooper, sent forward passing the 1400m mark by jockey Holly Watson to inject tempo in the race, stuck on gamely in the straight to hold third.
Peters said Arcadia Park was impressive and praised the gelding’s response when challenged by Fancy Red in the straight.
“It was quite good,” Peters told RWWA. .
“I think once he felt the other horse coming, he found another gear, and his stamina kicked in.
“It showed there is something there.
“He’s bred to do this and it’s nice to see him do it.
“He’ll go out for a month and come back; we’ll get him up to staying again.”
Arcadia Park is bred to be good, he’s by Cox Plate winner, Ocean Park out of Arcadia Dream, who captured both the WA Derby (2400m) and Natasha Stakes (2200m).
When asked whether Arcadia Park could be aimed at the Perth Cup (2400m), Peters responded cautiously.
“We’ll find that out,” Peters said.
Johnston-Porter claimed his second Belmont Classic, adding to his earlier success aboard Jackpot Prince (2017).