Archibalds set to gang tackle the 2025 Scone Cup
West Of Africa returns to the spotlight as he lines up for the Scone Cup (1600m), seeking a spot in the lucrative Big Dance later this year.
The gelding already has a feature win this season, unleashing a stunning finish to claim the Magic Millions Cup (1400m) in January, and has been a consistent presence in the placings since.
Rob Archibald, who trains in partnership, acknowledged the horse has been in work a while but is still showing all the right signs at home.
“We have just tried to space his runs as best we can but he has been up for a while,” Archibald said.
“That is always a little query. It’s going to come to an end at some stage, but at home he seems to be holding his form well.”
He has firmed in early betting from $11 to $6.50 and while he’s drawn wide in barrier 13, Archibald isn’t concerned.
“He’s got a wide draw which I don’t think will worry him as he’s a horse that gets back and runs on,” he said.
“The Scone track, we feel, will suit him because it has a big, long straight.
“He’s going well and of all our chances, he is probably one of the main ones.”
Joining him in the Scone Cup are stablemates Port Lockroy and Redstone Well, with Might Ulysses also nominated for the Luskin Star Stakes (1300m).
The team is leaning toward the shorter trip for Might Ulysses, seeking to instil confidence and secure a better tempo.
“We are leaning towards the 1300 metre race. We are just trying to find a bit of confidence with him and help him settle a little bit behind a good tempo,” Archibald said.
“But we are still looking at both races and are still undecided.”
Port Lockroy, a Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m) winner, heads the weights, while Redstone Well drops in trip after failing to stay over longer journeys.
“Port Lockroy, he’s a Group One winner so it’s hard to discount him even though he’s got a bit of weight,” Archibald said.
“Redstone Well has been tested over 2000 and we feel like he’s not quite seeing it out so we’re giving him a chance back to the mile.”
With Al Mubhir and Sibaaq scratched for Queensland alternatives, the race takes on a new shape, and savvy punters can find value by checking Australia's best betting sites.
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