Before this spring, Black Run had not registered an Australian victory, but a sharp rise in form has seen him string together three wins and earn a shot at stakes company for trainers Annabel and Rob Archibald.
The Nathaniel gelding is among the 22 horses nominated for Saturday’s $300,000 Pakenham Cup, representing a significant step up after his recent winning streak.
Those successes included a pair of strong 2400m victories at Caulfield and a prior 2000m benchmark 78 win at Randwick on November 1. Annabel Archibald said his progression made the Listed 2500m contest a logical next test.
“I’m not sure what else is going there, so he might be a little bit out of the handicap, but I think 2500 will be ideal and he’s a very genuine horse,” she said.
“Ryan Houston will stick with him. He’s been riding out of his skin and seems to have a nice affinity with this horse.”
Houston, unable to claim his 2kg allowance this weekend, steered Black Run to both Caulfield wins, while Tom Marquand produced a polished ride aboard him at Randwick.
Marquand also partnered the gelding to his maiden victory at Goodwood in October 2023, which preceded his lone stakes attempt to date—the Group 3 Prix Noailles (2100m) at Longchamp.
He finished sixth on that occasion, more than seven lengths behind the now-world-class Calandagan, who recently became the first foreign-trained horse in 20 years to claim the Japan Cup.
Black Run is one of three Cup entries for the Archibald team, alongside Firm Agreement and Naval College.
Firm Agreement’s participation depends on how he comes through his seventh in the Ballarat Cup, while Naval College is also entered for the Listed Christmas Cup at Randwick.
Smokin’ Romans is expected to carry the top weight for the Pakenham Cup, with Zipping Classic placegetters Etna Rosso and Alenquer, along with South Australian Derby runner-up Statuario, all shaping as key contenders.
Saturday’s meeting will also host the $1m The Supernova, a 1400m slot race featuring 14 high-calibre runners including Group 1 winners Private Eye, Here To Shock and Pinstriped.
Those planning a wager on the Pakenham features can review the latest markets at Australia’s leading betting sites.
