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.
More Racing News
Sir Kingsford's local Cups campaign begins at Morphettville Parks
A pursuit of a Melbourne Cup start has been abandoned for the South Australian galloper Sir Kingsford, who will now focus his attention on local Cup races.After securing second place in the Port Adelaide Cup at Morphettville in May, Sir Kingsford then travelled to Flemington to compete in the Andrew...
Nearco Frod seeks fifth win in a row at Sandown
The training partnership of Tony and Calvin McEvoy possesses a thorough understanding of equine development.Last year, after a period spent in the warmer climate of Queensland, Half Yours returned to claim a double in the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.Half Yours is once again bound for the Melbourne Cup, with a...
Signature Scent primed for Carlyon Stakes challenge
A 1000m dash at Stakes level has been on the radar for Signature Scent for some time, according to the Ciaron Maher stable.Notwithstanding a recent failure to place in a three-year-old event, the stable sees no impediment to her contesting the Group 3 Carlyon Stakes (1000m) at Sandown this Saturday.Having...
Idle Flyer's Spring Carnival Path Tested in Winx Stakes
Trainer Matthew Smith is keen to assess Idle Flyer's capabilities against top competition as she begins her spring campaign in the Winx Stakes at Randwick, with the Cox Plate looming as a potential target.After a dominant performance in the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) in the autumn,...
Apocalyptic primed for Randwick return, says Berry
Just as Ninja made a statement with his Missile Stakes win two weeks ago, stablemate Apocalyptic will be on a mission to do the same when she launches her campaign in the Toy Show Quality at Randwick.Dominant in the Princess Series as a spring three-year-old, Apocalyptic performed below expectations in...
Almairac's Adelaide venture after frustrating draws
Despite a string of unfavourable barrier draws in the past week, trainer Cliff Brown is taking a calculated risk by sending Almairac to Adelaide.Almairac has faced wide gates at recent starts, including last Saturday in Sydney and Wednesday at Sandown. On Saturday, the gelding will again jump from a challenging...
Screen Icon's prospects brightened by Rosebud result
Trainer John Thompson received a positive sign from the Rosebud race, even without a runner, which has bolstered his confidence for Screen Icon's upcoming appearance in the Silver Shadow Stakes at Randwick.The recent running of the Rosebud saw Chilly Girl emerge victorious, finishing a half-length ahead of Screen Icon in...
Ceolwulf poised for spring resurgence
Trainer Joe Pride is optimistic about the return to form for Ceolwulf, a four-time Group One winner, after an abbreviated autumn campaign.The star miler, who had his spring campaign cut short after just two starts last time in due to foot concerns and a minor bleed, will make his reappearance...
Tennessee aiming for seventh consecutive win
Ciaron Maher's stable possesses a remarkable ability to nurture older mares, bringing out their best performances.One can point to the examples of Bella Nipotina and Pride Of Jenni, who continued to perform at a high level throughout their careers.Tennessee Bound, while perhaps not in the same calibre, boasts a notable...
Rosehill trials feature Headwall and emerging talent
While the Winx Stakes contest between Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi is capturing attention this week, Rosehill barrier trials are also a significant drawcard as several equine stars intensify their preparations for their return to racing.Headwall, a contender for The Everest, will undertake his third trial over 900 metres in...