Nepo Baby poised for P J Bell Stakes entry as emergency

Rob and Annabel Archibald have nominated four fillies for the P J Bell Stakes, but after scratching one over a tough gate, their prime contender sits beyond the current entries.

As of this report, $8 shot Nepo Baby held second reserve status for the Saturday Group 3 sprint, awaiting a single further defection to join the race.

In the event she makes the cut, she would team with fellow stable runners Kujenga ($23) and Wootton Lass ($51), while Tupukara shifts to Wyong seeking her initial success.

"I was surprised she was an emergency," Annabel Archibald said.

"You'd think a filly that placed in the Light Fingers (Stakes) would get in. She is going great guns, and she is drawn quite well.

"She is probably the best (chance) of them."

Nepo Baby, sparingly raced, boasts an unblemished record inside the top three from four outings, claiming her opening two triumphs in rural and regional class during spring before a strong comeback placing in benchmark level at Rosehill.

The filly produced peak form in the Light Fingers Stakes (1200m), traveling handily before clinging to third against class rivals Savvy Hallie and Apocalyptic.

Honest Wootton Lass has performed steadily in her two most recent lower-grade starts, and Kujenga, a repeated stakes placer, resumes after a firm fourth in last term's Group 2 Tea Rose Stakes (1200m).

Though Archibald wasn't thrilled by Kujenga's recent gallop, she highlighted a legitimate explanation and solid domestic form.

"I didn't like her trial last week, but it was raining, and the ground was really shifty. Tom Marquand was on her and said she just lost her confidence slipping around the corner a bit," Archibald said.

"She did a little piece (Wednesday) morning and looked sharp, and she gets Zac Purton on in an open race."

Additionally, the Archibald pair fields advancing three-year-old Pappa Blue in the Carbine Club Stakes (1600m), scratching him from a softer target at Warwick Farm to chase stakes grade.

Their full squad includes Cristal Clear plus outsider Hellsing for the Doncaster Mile (1600m), Cristal Clear fresh from a battling return success in the Ajax Stakes (1500m).

"You'd suggest that first-up win probably shows he has gone to another level, which he will need to here," Archibald said.

"I'm really happy with him. He looks great and the barrier (eight) is good. Half the field has 50 kilos, or near enough, but nice light weight and he has got a lovely racing pattern up on the speed.

"He's a real trier, so I think he will be in it for a long way."

Cristal Clear's connections have stuck with regular pilot apprentice Braith Nock aboard for the Doncaster, where he's $34 with Hellsing at $151 outsider.

Visit the online bookmakers to find the keenest racing betting markets for the P J Bell Stakes.