Timing the Golden Gift campaign of Tupakara has been a delicate balancing act, but one that trainers Annabel Neasham and Rob Archibald are hoping they have got right.
The filly was responsible for a promising debut when she didn’t get much room in the early part of the straight before finishing fourth to the impressive Bel Merci in the Gimcrack Stakes (1000m) on October 5.
She arrives at Saturday’s Golden Gift (1100m) at Rosehill with more than a month between runs, and while that can be a tricky line to walk with two-year-olds, Archibald says Tupakara appears to have coped beautifully.
“I know a lot of people choose one way or the other,” Archibald said.
“It hasn’t been the easiest and it will probably rule out a Magic Millions so we can give her a proper break and then focus on the autumn.
“You’ve just got to read them as best you can. She is a pretty tough filly and she is showing us all the right signs, but it is a real balancing act to try to get it right.
“Everyone is in the same boat. I think you’ve got an advantage if you’ve had a run under your belt going in but there are lots of different ways of looking at it.”
A daughter of Trapeze Artist, Tupakara enjoyed a short stint in the paddock following her Gimcrack appearance and has since posted a barrier trial win at Warwick Farm.
The Bjorn Baker-trained O’Ole is also coming through the Gimcrack Stakes in which she finished runner-up, while Tulloch Lodge colt North England placed in the Breeders’ Plate (1000m) on the same program.
The males ran slightly faster time overall on the day, but the fillies clocked a quicker final 600m sectional.
From the inside gate, Archibald believes Tupakara can feature in Saturday’s $1 million race if she produces a similar performance.
“She ran really well in the Gimcrack. She was fourth that day, she was held up and flashed late,” he said.
“She is going into it in good order, we have been really happy with her.
“We’re very early on in her career so we’re learning about her all the time. We are concentrating on getting her ready for Saturday and if we do that, I’m sure she will put her best foot forward.”
