'Team Archibald' tuned up for The Gateway

By Glenn Davis

The Annabel and Rob Archibald stable hope to seize the chance to gain an automatic start in next year’s $3 million Stradbroke Handicap with Sydney sprinter Tuned.

The husband-and-wife training partnership will rely on recent Rosehill winner Tuned in The Gateway at Eagle Farm on Saturday after deciding to scratch stablemate Waku Waku.

Waku Waku also was an acceptor for the Benchmark 70 Handicap over 1400 metres.

Todd Pollard is the assistant trainer for the Neasham stable at Eagle Farm.

“Waku Waku has a few options and is also an acceptor in Sydney on Saturday and she wasn’t well placed at Weight for Age in The Gateway,” Pollard said. 

The Gateway winner collects a golden ticket into next year’s Group 1 Stradbroke at Eagle Farm and it’s an opportunity 'Team Archibald' believe is too good to knock back for Tuned.

Tuned made it five wins from only a dozen starts when he lumped 60kgs to win a 1300 metre Benchmark race at Rosehill last Sunday.

The four-year-old son of Zoustar is backing up for the first time in his career but the Archibalds are hopeful he can overcome the quick turnaround and a long float trip to Brisbane.

“It’s hard not to back up Tuned as he’s a really good horse and is in good form after winning at Rosehill last Sunday,” Pollard said.

“He’ll have no issues with Weight for Age and it’s just the travelling and the quick back-up that we hope he will overcome.

“It doesn’t look a very strong field but Boomtown Boss and Ready To Schipp look the dangers.”

Tuned, who drew barrier three, will be ridden by Ben Thompson while Heavelon Van Der Hoven has the ride aboard Waku Waku in the Benchmark 70 if she comes to Brisbane.

Only a small field will contest this year’s The Gateway which is run at Weight for Age and was won last year by the Craig Cousins-trained The Inflictor.

Tuned is no newcomer to Brisbane having campaigned during the Queensland Racing Carnival last winter when he placed twice in four starts including the Group 3 Gold Coast Guineas on a heavy track in May.

In his subsequent three spring starts, Tuned has won twice at Rosehill including his last victory on Sunday.

“He was very good early on when he came here for the winter, but he was a little disappointing later on,” Pollard said.

“He’s come back a much better horse since he was gelding at the start of this preparation.

“If he can overcome the travel and the back-up, he should run very well.”