Darley freshman Helmet broke into black-type ranks when Archives claimed the LR Hampden Stakes (1200m) at Doomben on Saturday.

Helmet has already sired four European winners from his first Irish book at Kildangan Stud and Tarnham opened his Australian account at Dalby last month.

Archives (2c Helmet – Preserve by Canny Lad) atoned for an unlucky third on debut at Rosehill a fortnight ago to beat last-start Warwick Farm winner Jericho by a head.  He settled just off the speed in the early stages before stable jockey James Mc Donald found a run along the rails in the straight.

“He’s still learning and went on with it when challenged which was very encouraging,” trainer John O’Shea said.  “He had a long float trip up here and will probably run in another fortnight.”

O’Shea was referring to the LR Phoenix Stakes at Eagle Farm on June 4 although the G1 J J Atkins Stakes on June 11 is still an option.  Sheikh Mohammed completed the Hampden Stakes – J J Atkins Stakes double with his Lonhro colt Benfica in 2011.

Darley’s Australian general manager Henry Plumptre was looking even further ahead to when Archives returns as a three year-old.  “He’s a big horse who will be improved.  He got into trouble at his first run and deserved today’s win.  I think you will see a very good horse in the spring.”

Archives is a three -quarter brother to Group 3 winning sprinter Safeguard (Exceed And Excel) who will stand his first season at Mogumber Park in WA this season.  He is also a half-brother to G2-placed filly Shaumari (Medaglia d’Oro).

Their G1 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes winning dam Preserve is a half-sister to G1 Golden Rose winner Denman.

Helmet (Exceed And Excel) was a Group 1 winner of the Sydney Sires’ Produce Stakes and Champagne Stakes and returned at three for a front-running victory in the G1 Caulfield Guineas.  He will stand the coming breeding season at Northwood Park in Seymour at a fee of $16,500 (inc gst) alongside his paternal half-brother Kuroshio ($8,800 inc gst).