Annabel Neasham and Rob Archibald’s stable faces a challenging day at Rosehill, with many of their 11 confirmed runners drawing wide barriers. However, Archibald sees the heavy rain forecast as a potential advantage for horses drawn out wide.
“We’ve got a lot of sticky gates. Hopefully, it pours, and they come down the outside,” Archibald joked.
Seven of their runners, including two of their three entries in the Baillieu (1400m), have drawn double-figure barriers or worse than midfield. Tupakara, drawn in barrier six, brings solid form, having finished fourth behind Golden Slipper placegetter Tempted and winner Marhoona in her last start.
“She is a nice, progressive filly doing everything right, and it looks a good race for her on Saturday,” Archibald said.
Tupakara, by Trapeze Artist, is in her second preparation after placing in the Gimcrack Stakes (1000m) and Golden Gift (1100m) last year.
Archibald also commented on other runners, including Next Jen, who will start from barrier 11 after winning at Newcastle, and I Am Overs, who may be saved for a midweek race after drawing the outside gate.
Quietly Arrogant, who ran in the Golden Slipper last weekend, is the only runner backing up in the Baillieu.