Annabel and Rob Archibald are optimistic that their consistent mare, Midnight In Tokyo, can finally secure a stakes victory in the Group 3 W.J. Healy Stakes (1200m) at Eagle Farm this Saturday.
The five-year-old daughter of Kobayashi has competed at stakes or group level sixteen times, achieving seven minor placings. Notably, five of these have occurred since the Archibalds formed their training partnership.
In her current preparation, Midnight In Tokyo has placed third in two Listed races against her own sex, including a narrow defeat in the Helen Coughlan Stakes (1200m) on June 7.
Although she was listed in early markets for the Group 1 Tattersall’s Tiara (1400m), co-trainer Rob Archibald confirmed their intention to keep her at the 1200m distance.
“We’ve tried her at 1400 (metres) before but she’s got a very short sprint,” Archibald said.
“We’ll stick to the 1200 with her. We’ve done it a few times where we try and step her up and it doesn’t seem to work.
“She runs well, she always tries, but she just feels the pinch a lot. She’s got a very short turn of foot and we just need to ride her as patient as possible.”
For Saturday’s race, the Archibalds have enlisted jockey Rachel King, with Midnight In Tokyo carrying the minimum weight of 54kg from barrier two.
“We had a bit of success with her riding Manhood in the Chief De Beers so hopefully she’ll do the job on her,” Archibald said.
After being scratched from last week’s Gai Waterhouse Classic (1200m) at Ipswich due to a wide barrier, the team is hopeful for a better outcome from a more favorable draw.
“It’s been a frustrating preparation because when you’re targeting these races, you probably only get four or five of races for the prep.
“She’s been in work for a long time, but she’s only had two runs with the prep so far, so it’s been a very frustrating prep, but she’s run well, she’s got a couple more stakes places to her name.”
Looking ahead, Archibald mentioned the Listed Ramornie Handicap (1200m) at Grafton on July 15 as Midnight In Tokyo’s next target, with potential plans for the Queensland Summer Carnival.
“Hopefully the Summer might be her go, if she can still be running at this level where it’s a little bit easier in the summer carnival over the 1,200 metres.
“She just needs to get that stakes win and we’ll be happy.”
Midnight In Tokyo is currently rated a $17 chance for the W.J. Healy Stakes on Saturday. For those looking to place a bet, check out the best betting sites Australia for the latest odds and promotions.