Rob and Annabel Archibald hoping to return north with West Of Africa

Despite Sydney lacking a feature race this weekend, Sunday’s Rosehill program will be pivotal for Rob and Annabel Archibald as they shape their Magic Millions carnival team.

The Archibalds will run West Of Africa and Mickey’s Medal in the TAB Handicap (1400m), with both aiming to justify a January trip to the Gold Coast.

West Of Africa was brilliant winning the Magic Millions Cup (1400m) earlier this year, and Archibald confirmed the intention is to return.

“He was really good that day. He’s going well and hopefully we can get him there again,” Archibald said.

“We have given him a nice break to prepare him for this. His trials have been good, and he seems really well, but it is just a starting point on Sunday, and he’ll improve a lot.”

With 60kg after the claim and a wide draw, West Of Africa faces a challenge, while Mickey’s Medal benefits from barrier four and brings outstanding consistency into the race, having finished top three in 17 of 28 starts.

“He was beaten by Kintyre, who was a bit deeper into his preparation,” Archibald said.

“He will improve again into this, and he is also on a Magic Millions path if we can get him there.”

Promising gelding Mortal Halo also pushes his credentials when he steps out in the Vinnie @ Yarraman Park Handicap (1500m).

Highly regarded as a juvenile, he resumed with a dominant Scone win before finishing runner-up to Ivan’s Hero last start. Scratched from Doomben, he lines up instead at Rosehill as he chases a spot in the Magic Millions Guineas (1400m).

“I think he’s a really nice horse in the making,” Archibald said.

“He’s another who could potentially go to the Guineas. He will have to win his way into that, but he’s definitely got ability.”

The Archibalds will saddle six runners on the relocated Sunday program, which was moved due to extreme heat forecast for Saturday.

Magic Millions futures markets for these runners can be compared at Australia’s best betting sites.