Talented colt Golden Archer notched his first Group success on Saturday in the G3 MRC McNeil Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield.

The Peter Moody-trained colt had won Listed races at Elwick, Moonee Valley and Flemington last season but was considered a length or two below the top tier in the two year-old division.

Golden Archer (3c Rock Of Gibraltar – Viennetta by Pins) finished a troubled second behind Golden Slipper winner Sepoy when making his seasonal debut in the LR Vain Stakes at Caulfield on August 13 but there were no problems second-up on Saturday.

With no Sepoy engaged, Golden Archer led throughout under Luke Nolen to take his overall record to 6 wins in 9 starts and earnings in excess of $400,000.

“You would love a stable full of him,” Moody said.  “He is such a professional and has done very little wrong throughout his career.”

Moody will enter Golden Archer for the Caulfield Guineas Prelude or the Rupert Clarke Stakes over 1400m before deciding whether to tackle the G1 Caulfield Guineas in October.

Golden Archer cost $80,000 from Sefton Park at the 2010 Inglis Easter yearling sale.  He is by Coolmore sire Rock Of Gibraltar from the G2 Ellerslie winner Viennetta.  

Moody also trains his older half-sister La Praline (Anabaa) for owner-breeder Kevin Taylor.  She won races at Werribee and Caulfield in March – April but was a beaten favourite when racing first-up at Caulfield on the Memsie Stakes undercard.