Timing right for Port Lockroy in G1 Railway Stakes bid

He’s one of five interstate raiders and the outsider of the quintet, but co-trainer, Rob Archibald believes there is a sense of timing about Port Lockroy in Saturday’s Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m) at Ascot.

Rob Archibald, who shares training duties with Annabel Neasham, says Port Lockroy put himself into Railway Stakes conversation after his last start performance in the Golden Eagle (1500m) at Rosehill.

Despite being sent out at triple figure odds, Port Lockroy defied his rating and gave good enough reason to head west after attacking the line strongly and doing his best work late when two lengths sixth to Lake Forrest.

Archibald was thrilled with how Port Lockroy fared against quality opposition and combined with a light weight, an extra 100m and approaching peak form, it all aligned to bring him across for a Railway Stakes attempt.

“The first couple of runs in his prep, he sort of was getting back in his races and running home in really good time, but he hadn’t put together a big run that suggested he was good enough to come over,” Archibald said on Tabradio.

“I think that run in the Golden Eagle, when you go through it and look at the horses he beat, he was well outside the handicap and beat some really good horses.

“That’s when we thought, hang on, he’s going to get in with a lovely weight and we felt it put him right in the mix and that was definitely the deciding factor.

“There were a couple of races here (Sydney) that we could have looked at, but we felt it was a nice opportunity to get him over there.

“It’s terrific prizemoney and we love travelling with our horses and so do our owners, it all just matched up.

“We think he’s in with a really good chance, he’s still on the way up and lightly raced.

“He’s got great finishing sectionals and the mile is his sweet spot.

“I think he’s a horse in form.”

Archibald confirmed Port Lockroy had handled the trip across the Nullarbor with aplomb and hasn’t missed a beat since arriving last weekend.

The Better Than Ready entire will seek to claim his biggest win in the Railway and improve his record of two wins and five placings from 14 starts.

He had Adam Hyeronimus for company in the Golden Eagle, but the switch is on with top local hoop Clint Johnston-Porter entrusted with the Railway ride.

Archibald said the booking of Johnston-Porter and the local knowledge he brings cannot be underestimated

“I think CJ (Johnston-Porter) on board is a big plus,” Archibald said.

“He’s a local jockey that knows the conditions.

“I think it lines up nicely and something feels good about it.

“I’m sure he’s going to run a big race.”

Port Lockroy is on the 53kg minimum and starts from barrier nine.

Neasham, before joining forces with Archibald from the season opener, came close to snatching Group 1 glory in Perth last year when Zaaki went so close to winning the Northerly Stakes (1800m).

Port Lockroy is $17 to win the Railway with Tabtouch.