Four fillies from Annabel and Rob Archibald’s stable are paid for the P J Bell Stakes, yet one exit due to barrier woes means their strongest hope lurks just outside the barrier.
Nepo Baby ($8) ranked as second emergency for the Group 3 Saturday sprint per current standings, one more pull-out away from confirmation.
Gaining entry would see her alongside stable companions Kujenga ($23) and Wootton Lass ($51), sending Tupukara to pursue overdue breakthrough at Wyong.
“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.”
Lightly tried Nepo Baby remains unbeaten in the placings across four efforts, securing her debut duo of wins in country/provincial spheres last autumn before rebounding with benchmark bronze at Rosehill.
In the Light Fingers Stakes (1200m), she peaked with a forward trip to nab third trailing elite foes Savvy Hallie and Apocalyptic.
Wootton Lass proved dependable across her prior two lesser assignments, while stakes veteran Kujenga freshens off a credible fourth in the Group 2 Tea Rose Stakes (1200m) from her return last time.
Archibald downplayed Kujenga’s fresh hit-out somewhat, citing fair grounds and home sharpness.
“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 great, and she gets Zac Purton on in an open race.”
Pappa Blue, the rising three-year-old gelding, represents the Archibalds in the Carbine Club Stakes (1600m), withdrawn from midweek Warwick Farm ease to target listed fare.
Cristal Clear and rank outsider Hellsing fill out entries in the Doncaster Mile (1600m), the first-named boasting a hard-fought Ajax Stakes (1500m) fresh victory.
“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.”
Regular apprentice Braith Nock retains the ride on Cristal Clear for the Doncaster at $34 chances, Hellsing drifting to $151.
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