Black Run arrived in spring without an Australian win, but three straight victories have encouraged Annabel and Rob Archibald to lift their sights.

The gelding is among 22 entries for Saturday’s $300,000 Pakenham Cup.

His nomination follows two 2400-metre Caulfield wins in restricted grade, building on a 2000m benchmark 78 success at Randwick on November 1.

Annabel Archibald said his form justified a crack at the 2500-metre Listed race.

“I’m not sure what else is going there, so he might be a little bit out of the handicap, but I think 2500 will be ideal and he’s a very genuine horse,” she said.

“Ryan Houston will stick with him. He’s been riding out of his skin and seems to have a nice affinity with this horse.”

Houston partnered Black Run in his Caulfield victories, while Tom Marquand steered him to his Randwick win and his maiden at Goodwood.

Black Run’s brief Stakes tilt came in the Group 3 Prix Noailles, finishing sixth behind Calandagan, now recognised as the world’s leading stayer.

The Archibalds also nominated Firm Agreement and Naval College, with Firm Agreement’s backing-up decision to come later and Naval College also entered for the Listed Christmas Cup at Randwick.

Smokin’ Romans is expected to top the Pakenham Cup weights, with Etna Rosso, Alenquer and South Australian Derby runner-up Statuario also among the entries.

Saturday’s meeting also features the $1m The Supernova.