West Of Africa is primed to make his mark again this campaign as he lines up in the Scone Cup (1600m), looking to secure a coveted slot in the Big Dance.
The gelding turned heads with a stunning win in the Magic Millions Cup (1400m) earlier this year, producing a booming finish to surge past the field from the rear.
Since then, he has remained a model of consistency with three placings from four starts. Despite being late into his prep, co-trainer Rob Archibald remains confident in the gelding’s condition.
“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.”
Well supported in early betting markets, West Of Africa has firmed from $11 into $6.50—a popular selection among punters using various Australian betting sites.
Archibald sees barrier 13 as a positive for his run-on style. “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.”