A plan hatched just weeks ago by Sydney's Annabel Neasham and Rob Archibald came to stunning fruition in Western Australia when Port Lockroy claimed the $1.5 million Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m) at Ascot on Saturday.
Erasing last year's bitter disappointment after Zaaki came so close to winning the Group 1 Northerly Stakes (1800m) for Neasham, the co-trainers claimed their second Group 1 triumph as a partnership following Sunshine In Paris winning the Champions Sprint (1200m) at Flemington on November 9.
Port Lockroy, one of five interstate raiders and the first to buck the local brigade after Good Project’s victory in 2015, earned a trip west for Perth’s famous mile race after running home strongly for sixth in the Golden Eagle (1500m) at Rosehill.
The Better Than Ready four-year-old, combining with top local hoop, Clint Johnston-Porter, was sent out an $11 chance and slipped under the guard, with rival eastern states visitor, Light Infantry Man, the $3.80 favourite for star jockey, James McDonald.
Johnston-Porter produced an almost flawless ride to snatch the biggest win of his career since commencing in 2014, surpassing his previous two best wins in the Ted Van Heemst Stakes (2100m) and Lee Steere Stakes (1400m).
Johnston Porter had Port Lockroy poised to strike in third position at the turn and when he asked for an effort the entire responded, dashing to the front and wrapping the race up inside the last 150m.
In Port Lockroy’s wake by just under a length was brave local galloper Comfort Me, who in three of the past four editions of the Railway Stakes, has been placed second.
After turning for home in last position, Super Smink ran hard for third, ahead of Magnificent Andy.
Archibald said Port Lockroy’s win was a team effort and he richly deserved elite honours.
“It’s incredible and hard to believe,” Archibald said.
“I’m so excited for the owners in the horse.
“He’s been so unlucky in almost all his career.
“CJ (Johnston-Porter) executed the perfect race and full credit to him.
“He could not have done any more, it was a super ride.
“And the owners for coming across and having a go, it’s great reward for them.
“Liz has done a marvelous job, she travels with all our horses and presented him in immaculate condition.
“It’s a huge thrill and I’m so lucky to be in this position.
“Annabel has always had so much confidence in this horse.
“It was just really so nice to see a really good ride and him deliver on the big stage, really grateful.”
An emotional Johnston Porter said it could be a while before the reality of winning a Group 1 race sinks in.
“It’s going to take a couple of weeks to sink in,” Johnston Porter said.
“I’ve been dreaming of this one for a very long time.
“To get one on the board is massive and to be a Railway, our iconic race.
“I thought his run in the Golden Eagle was a very good run.
“I’m so relieved it’s all over and done with.”
The Archibald-Neasham combination could be back on Perth racing’s central stage as soon as next Saturday with Lady Laguna to contest the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m).
A five-year-old mare, she’s currently rated a $9 chance.
Julio Santarelli