Annabel and Rob Archibald have taken confidence from jockey Jamie Mott’s decision to forgo a major Melbourne meeting to reunite with Libertad in Saturday’s Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) at Ascot.

Mott, who piloted Libertad to victory in the Group 2 Victory Stakes in May, has chosen to bypass Zipping Classic Day at Caulfield to make the trip west.

“Jamie Mott is going to fly over and ride him… it gives you a bit of confidence,” Annabel Archibald said.

Libertad has been consistent this campaign, finishing fourth first-up in the Sydney Stakes, midfield in the Rising Fast Stakes, and a close fourth behind Giga Kick in the Group 1 Champions Sprint.

He has settled well in Perth after travelling earlier this month and drew favourably in barrier two, just inside dual Winterbottom winner Overpass.

With three Group wins already, Archibald hopes Saturday brings his breakthrough major. “We’re missing a Group One so this might be it,” she said.