Archipenko may try Arlington Million next

Archipenko could be on his way to Chicago for the Arlington Million after taking the Group 2, $199,000 Summer Mile Stakes at Ascot on Saturday. His three-quarter-length victory over longshot Barshiba was his third straight and comes on the heels of a Group 1 triumph at Sha Tin in the 1 1/4-mile Queen Elizabeth II Cup.

Trained by South African master Mike de Kock, Archipenko was allowed to get away at a generous 11-1. At the same time, bettors sent defending title holder Cesare off as the 3-2 choice but he disappointed his backers in finishing third, one length behind the winner.

Godolphin came up empty as their 2-1 Ramonti, making his first start since winning the Hong Kong Cup in December, faded to fifth, beaten 5 3/4 lengths.

Archipenko is that rare animal pried away from Coolmore to go on to bigger and better things. He won the Group 2 Derrinstown Stud Derby Trial for Aidan O'Brien two years ago but was purchased by Sheikh Mohammed's cousin, Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al-Maktoum, from Michael Tabor and Mrs. John Magnier after being withdrawn from Tattersalls December sale.

De Kock is seriously considering a crack at the Arlington Million on Aug. 9, although he also has the one-mile Sussex Stakes at Goodwood on July 30 as an option.