by Myra Lewyn

Archipenko stamped himself a contender for the $5-million Dubai Duty Free (UAE-G1) after reeling in runner-up Royal Oath in the closing strides and surging clear for a convincing victory in the $250,000 Al Fahidi Fort (UAE-G2) on Thursday at Nad al Sheba.

A Group 2 winner for Coolmore who now campaigns for Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al Maktoum, Archipenko raced in midpack early in the ten-horse field. Under Kevin Shea, he swung wide for running room and raced into contention 500 meters out, taking aim on recent Al Rashidiya (UAE-G3) winner Lord Admiral, who took over from early pacesetter Big Timer.

Royal Oath overhauled Lord Admiral with 200 meters to run, but Archipenko closed willingly and wore down that foe as the finish line loomed, powering to a two-length victory and covering 1,600 meters (7.95 furlongs) in 1:39.31.

Royal Oath finished 4 1/4 lengths in front of Lord Admiral, who hung on for third, 3¼ lengths in front of Linngari, who was bidding for a third straight victory in the race.

A former English classic starter who competed against some of Europe’s best horses last year, Archipenko halted a five-race winless stretch dating back to his three-quarter length victory in the Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial Stakes (Ire-G2) on May 15 at Leopardstown.

Making only his second start for trainer Mike de Kock, the four-year-old Kingmambo colt entered the Al Fahidi Fort off an unplaced finish in a 1,300 meter (6.46-furlong) handicap at Nad al Sheba on February 7.

De Kock was impressed with Archipenko, who improved his career record to three wins in ten career starts.

“He’s improved significantly from his first run [at Nad al Sheba], but it was hard to be confident when you’re facing a horse like Linngari,” de Kock said. “But he could run a really big race in the Dubai Duty Free [on March 29 at Nad al Sheba], and there’s plenty more improvement to come from him.”

Bred in Kentucky by Eagle Holdings, Archipenko is out of stakes winner Bound, by Nijinsky II.

Myra Lewyn is a Thoroughbred Times daily news editor

For a video replay of the race, click here.