Tupakara will get another shot at Apocalyptic when the pair clash in Saturday’s Group 1 Flight Stakes (1600m) at Randwick.
The filly was a dominant favourite in the Tea Rose Stakes but could only manage third, beaten two lengths by the same rival after being ridden closer to the speed.
Co-trainer Annabel Archibald said she initially thought Tupakara had disliked racing handier, but later conceded it was simply a flat second-up effort.
“It’s all well and good saying, ‘ride her quieter’ but when it’s a slow tempo, it’s probably more so just a flat second-up run,” Archibald said.
“But we won’t be bustling her out of the gates. We will just ride her where she’s happy.”
From barrier 11, Tupakara will need luck, but she brings valuable experience at the mile after placing in the Champagne Stakes (1600m) as a two-year-old.
Archibald admits Apocalyptic is the one to beat but believes her filly is fit, seasoned, and ready to peak third-up.
Stablemate Next Jen has been scratched from the Flight to contest the Listed Dulcify Quality (1600m).