Annabel Archibald may not yet know where Thyme To Go ranks among her better two-year-olds, but the filly already stands out for her sheer size.
The I Am Invincible youngster will make her race debut in Saturday’s $160,000 Kia Ora Yearlings @ MMGC Plate (1000m) at Randwick.
A $260,000 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale purchase, Thyme To Go is noticeably larger than many of her stablemates but has progressed well enough to be ready early in the new year.
Archibald, who trains in partnership with husband Rob, is keen to see how the filly copes once the pressure of raceday arrives.
“She’s very big – she’d be the biggest two-year-old in the stable – she’s quite mature looking,” Archibald told SENTrack.
“I think she’s going to be better over a little bit further, but I think this is a good starting point.
“She’s got a massive stride, so hopefully she can break well and have plenty of room.”
Thyme To Go is one of six first starters in the field, which also includes the Godolphin pair Outspan and Tatiana, along with well-bred runners Excelluna and Sweet Intent.
The most expensive yearling engaged is $750,000 Magic Millions buy Knightsbridge, who has race experience from a fifth in the Group 3 Breeders Plate (1000m).
Final Gift is the other runner to have raced after finishing seventh in the Max Lees Classic (900m).
Thyme To Go trialled on December 8 before winning her latest hitout by half a length, finishing ahead of Knightsbridge.
“The horse that was second there in the trial, Knightsbridge, is in the field as well,” Archibald said.
“She’s obviously a first starter and being a two-year-old it’s always a little bit of an unknown, but she is a lovely filly.”
Zac Lloyd will ride from barrier one, with Thyme To Go sharing the third line of betting behind Knightsbridge and Profiteer filly Profitabelle.