Archibalds hoping for a good Thyme at Randwick

By Mandy Cottell of Racing & Sports

Like most two-year-olds, Thyme To Go is still learning her race craft, but trainers Annabel and Rob Archibald have seen enough ability from her to be entertaining a belated trip to Brisbane.

A $260,000 Inglis Premier Sale purchase, the filly made a promising debut when runner-up to Knightsbridge over 1000m at Randwick in January then was spelled after finishing out of the placings at her subsequent start.

She's had two trials in preparation for Saturday's Asahi Super Dry Handicap (1200m) at Randwick, and Rob Archibald is anticipating a bold return.

"We thought a lot of her last 'prep'. Her first run was good and her second run, we felt like she was looking for the paddock, so we gave her a good break," Archibald said.

"She's come back in and both trials have been pretty good. She is a big, raw, scopey filly that without a doubt will be better next preparation. But she is showing us good ability.

"She's still doing a few things wrong, so the focus on Saturday will be on still trying to teach her to execute the race the right way. She has got a reasonable draw, (apprentice) Braith (Nock) on board and if she gets the first half of the race right she will be really strong late."

If Thyme To Go can shed her maiden status on Saturday, she may yet earn a trip to Queensland for one of the two-year-old features at the back-end of the winter carnival.

"If she does everything right, there's no reason we wouldn't keep progressing," Archibald said.

"She's there to try and win the race, and then she can keep going to Brisbane, for sure."

Thyme To Go has drawn barrier three in the field of 11, while stablemate Zousika has gate nine.

Archibald said they were still weighing up whether the last start Kembla Grange winner would take his place or be saved for another week.

"He was a good winner at Kembla last start, but he's drawn nine," Archibald said.

"We may wait with him. There is a race at Kembla next weekend. But he's going well, and he's a sharp, strong colt so we'll have a look at the race."