Cool Archie too good in the 2025 JJ Atkins Stakes
Jockey Martin Harley ended his Australian Group 1 drought with a well-timed ride aboard Cool Archie in the J J Atkins (1600m) at Eagle Farm, sealing an emotional milestone before heading overseas for Royal Ascot.
Cool Archie ($4.80) delivered for connections, holding out $4.60 betting favourite Hidden Achievement by 1-¼ lengths, while outsider Call Da Vinci ($31) claimed third a further half-length away.
“I’m on a plane tonight going back for Royal Ascot,” Harley said.
“And I might fly that plane myself after that.”
Harley had previously spent time racing in Victoria in 2019 and later returned to Australia full-time, basing himself in Brisbane. However, a horror fall in the lead-up to the 2023 Magic Millions Carnival left him sidelined with a broken neck—the second such injury of his career.
His comeback story reached its peak on Saturday as he guided Cool Archie to a dominant Group 1 win.
“I think the horse has done most of the talking,” Harley said.
“He’s taken a big step forward each run and that’s what the good ones do.
“To transform from a Heavy 10 to a Good 4 there today, which I knew he would handle, I never had any doubt in that.
“I just watched the previous races, and I trusted my horse to pick up, but nothing had been making up bundles of ground, so I wanted to try and be that pair or two closer today.
“We got a lovely spot, a good rhythm, and I ended up getting there too soon but he’s got a good will to win, and he wanted it.”
The win also marked a Group 1 breakthrough for Chris and Corey Munce as trainers. Chris, a former Melbourne Cup winner, now trains in partnership with his son Corey, and the pair were rewarded for their consistency with their 65th winner of the season.
“I’m a little speechless, as you’d probably expect, but I’ll try and keep it together,” Corey Munce said.
“I felt very comfortable throughout the run.
“I said (during the race) we’re right here, and if he’s good enough he can win.
“That was a bit of the worry, as he’d come from a long way back the other day from an awkward draw and we were just hoping from a slightly better draw he would be that touch closer, and it worked out beautifully today.”
To bet on future stars like Cool Archie or explore Group 1 markets, visit the best betting sites Australia for odds, form, and exclusive promotions.
Explore top racing bookmakers, take advantage of current betting specials, and find value in every race with trusted betting platforms.
More Racing News
Lockwood's filly Extreme Taste faces draw challenge
Trainer Barry Lockwood initially commented that there wasn't much to say about his filly Extreme Taste "because she hasn't won yet," but upon further discussion, he is considerably more positive about her chances of success at Ipswich on Wednesday.Extreme Taste, a maiden after three starts, is set to compete in...
Sir Les refining his racecraft under Carmody's guidance
Craig Carmody is diligently working with promising three-year-old Sir Les, aiming to harness the gelding's natural talent, a skill he witnessed with the horse's dam, Everage, who also achieved stakes success.Sir Les, by All Too Hard, displayed impressive form winning his first two outings before a narrow fifth-place finish in...
Tennessee Bound to bypass Caulfield for Sandown assignment
While Tennessee Bound would likely be a leading contender for favouritism in the Caulfield race she is entered for, trainer Ciaron Maher is intent on continuing his measured approach with the undefeated mare.Consequently, the four-year-old is expected to make her next start in Wednesday's 1200-metre Evergreen Turf Handicap at Sandown.The...
Bellatrix Star's comeback looms in the Sir John Monash Stakes
Mark Walker is proceeding with caution regarding the return of the classy mare Bellatrix Star, based on his experiences with her over the past two seasons.This Saturday, the mare is expected to make her reappearance in the $200,000 Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes at Caulfield.The 1100-metre weight-for-age race will...
Hard Kick's preparation for major spring sprint begins
The traditional winter period typically isn't a springboard for success in the Coolmore Stud Stakes, but the Lindsay Park training team is pinning its hopes on Hard Kick.The unexposed gelding is poised to commence a campaign that has its sights set on the lucrative $2 million Group 1 sprint for...
Music Time set for Kosciuszko path in spring
Trainer Gratz Vella has confirmed that Music Time will be pointed towards The Kosciuszko during the Sydney spring carnival, foregoing the Group 1 Golden Rose for three-year-olds.Vella highlighted the irresistible appeal of The Kosciuszko for country trainers and indicated that the Golden Slipper placegetter might be better suited to the...
Tim Clark sees great potential in By Choice's return
Despite Tulloch Lodge's usual high benchmarks, their two-year-old season has been somewhat subdued. Nevertheless, their primary stable jockey, Tim Clark, anticipates that the current crop of youngsters will more than make up for lost ground as they transition to three-year-old racing.Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott have seen 14 juvenile winners...
Sheza Alibi's move back to Pakenham imminent
The serious phase of training is fast approaching for Sheza Alibi.The exciting filly is drawing near the end of her northern sojourn in Queensland and will soon be repatriated to the Pakenham stable operated by Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman.The daughter of Saxon Warrior journeyed north following her stunning victory...
Cellarmaster triumphs in a tight finish to claim the Winx Guineas
In a thrilling conclusion, Cellarmaster ($5.50) narrowly pipped Platinum Pantheon ($6.50) at the post, with Rustemo ($8.50) trailing in third, more than a length adrift.Leading bookmakers noted Cellarmaster's winning dividend at $5.50, while the favoured runner Within The Law ($2.60) failed to live up to expectations despite being heavily supported.The...
James Healy celebrates first stakes win with Arabian Rose in Glasshouse Handicap
Sunshine Coast trainer James Healy has secured his maiden stakes victory thanks to the unheralded mare Arabian Rose, who triumphed in the Listed Glasshouse Handicap on her home track at Caloundra.Initially listed as the third emergency when final acceptors were declared, Arabian Rose's place in the field was uncertain, with...