West Of Africa will look to build on his strong campaign when he lines up in the Scone Cup (1600m), aiming to secure a coveted spot in the Big Dance later this year.
The gelding made a big impression earlier in the season, storming home from the rear to win the Magic Millions Cup (1400m) in January, and has remained a model of consistency with three placings from his past four runs.
Though he’s getting late into his prep, co-trainer Rob Archibald says the horse remains in top 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.”
Backed in from $11 to $6.50 in early markets, West Of Africa brings strong form over the mile and has drawn gate 13, a position Archibald believes plays to his strengths.
“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.
“He’s going well and of all our chances, he is probably one of the main ones.”
Stablemates Port Lockroy and Redstone Well will also contest the Scone Cup, while Might Ulysses holds entries in both the Cup and Saturday’s Luskin Star Stakes (1300m).
Archibald indicated a preference to run Might Ulysses over the shorter trip in hopes of finding a genuine tempo to help the horse relax.
“We are leaning towards the 1300 metre race. We are just trying to find a bit of confidence with him and help him settle a little bit behind a good tempo,” Archibald said.
“But we are still looking at both races and are still undecided.”
Port Lockroy brings top weight of 59.5kg into the race following his win in the Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m) in Perth, while Redstone Well drops back in distance following some testing efforts at 2000m.
“Port Lockroy, he’s a Group One winner so it’s hard to discount him even though he’s got a bit of weight,” Archibald said.
“Redstone Well has been tested over 2000 and we feel like he’s not quite seeing it out so we’re giving him a chance back to the mile.”
Rivals Al Mubhir and Sibaaq have been withdrawn in favour of Queensland targets.
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