Login
SAVE 70%
Watch: Improving Archivist produces huge performance in York opener
By Racing TV
Last Updated: Sat 22 Aug 2026
Archivist turned what looked a competitive renewal of the Sky Bet Strensall Stakes at York into a procession under Callum Rodriguez.
A winner at the Knavesmire last summer, Hamad Al Jehani’s charge was last seen springing a minor surprise in the Golden Mile at Goodwood three weeks ago.
The four-year-old faced a step up in class for the Group Three opener on Ebor day and was priced up accordingly at 9-1, but the further he went the better he looked, with seven and a half lengths the winning margin.
Saber Strike kept responding to pressure to fill the runner-up spot, with Persica third and 11-4 favourite Damysus – like the winner owned by Wathnan Racing – back in fourth.
Al Jehani said: “He’s improving quickly. After the Golden Mile at Goodwood we knew he was improving and he’d been training nicely.
“We were waiting for this race and he’s won in a very good way again, I’m very happy for the team. I hope he’s a Group One horse. We’ll enjoy this, my first winner at York, so we’ll make a plan tomorrow.”
Wathnan’s racing adviser, Richard Brown, added: “That has slightly taken us all by surprise. We thought he had a big chance and James (Doyle, riding Damysus) had a difficult choice – we thought he was still progressing.
“We can probably be quite brave now. Hamed did ask ‘what next?’, but I just said next go and get the trophy! We’ll think about it later.
“I think a bend is important to him. I know there’s a long straight here, but the bend helps him settle.. Callum said he went way too soon but he was going so well he had no option.”
Related posts
Five horses to follow at York on Saturday
Dave Nevison's Saturday tips: off to a flyer with a 16-1 winner!
Martin Dixon's Saturday tips: "I think she'll take a lot of beating"
The Data Detective: clues and tips for Saturday
Dave Nevison's Friday tips at York: "He has a strong chance"
Todays top offer
Get 50% back up to £50 with QuinnBet
T&Cs Apply
Featured offers
Bet £10 get £30 in Free Bets with talkSPORT BET
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £20 and Get £40 in Free Bets with Unibet
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Bet £10 get £40 in free bets with Kwiff
T&Cs Apply
Claim Now
Copyright 2026 Racing TV - All Rights Reserved.
Please bet responsibly
Copyright 2026. All rights reserved