Six interstate visitors make up part of the full field that will contest the Group 1 Railway Stakes this Saturday and dominate the betting, taking up the first six position in the market which is led by Smokin’ Joey ($5.00). Kerrific, who is quoted at $15.00 as of Thursday, is the best of the local horses according to the market but with only two interstate raiders (Gathering and Sniper’s Bullet) being successful in the past recent years, the local contingent is not to be dismissed lightly.
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1. LUCKYGRAY – S O’Donnell (17) 58kgs
The 6yo has returned to Western Australian and the stables of Ascot trainer Trevor Andrews after having four, only moderate, runs for Victorian based Robert Smerdon earlier this spring. The best of the four for Smerdon was a sixth, beaten less than two lengths, behind Rebel Dane in the G1 Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m). His first run back home was as 13/8 favourite in the G2 Lee Steere Stakes (1400m) a fortnight ago. He closed steadily from the tail of the field to run fourth, a length behind Conservatorium and Checkpoint. That was his first run for close to a month so could expect some additional fitness however, a big weight and wide gate will combine to make this a tough task.
2. MR. MOET – P Hall (20) 58kgs
Another local galloper who has completed his recent racing in Victoria, the Adam Durrant trained galloper’s last start was a good fourth (beaten 1.4 lengths) behind Side Glance and Dear Demi in the G1 Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) three weeks ago. That followed another honest performance in the Caulfield Cup (2400m) where he finished sixth and only 2 ¼ lengths behind Fawkner. Impeccable record this track, having won five of his last seven starts here (and running second on the other two occasions) and is going well but fancy he’ll be giving them too much of a start over this trip from his poor draw.
3. CONSERVATORIUM – J Bowditch (10) 56kgs
The Adelaide galloper commenced this campaign three starts back in the G1 Moir Stakes but found the opposition, as he did in his next start, the G3 Moonga Stakes, too slick and finished fifth and seven respectively. He then left the riches of the Victorian spring carnival to come across to Western Australia, a good move by his trainer Gary Kennewll, as he was able to hold on to narrowly win the G2 Lee Steere Stakes (1400m) a fortnight ago. Ran a head second to Fire Up Fifi (carrying 60kgs) at his only previous attempt over a mile and given his last start win and this being his fourth run in this campaign, would expect another honest effort here. Definite chance.
4. SMOKIN JOEY – J Benbow (7) 56kgs
After resuming from a spell for trainer Mick Price by finishing last and over a dozen lengths from the winner, Platelet, in the G2 Gilgai Stakes, the 6yo was transferred to the stables of young trainer Wez Hunter. The 6yo certainly approved of his new surroundings by, only a month later, coming out and winning the G3 Tab.com.au Stakes (1400m) on Derby Day as a 40/1 chance defeating Galah – who since ran third in last week’s Sandown Stakes. To prove it no fluke, he sat three wide during the run a week later in the G1 Emirates Stakes (1600m) and finished a head second to Boban. Despite being the first time in seven attempts he had ran a place in a mile race and, that he raises to 56kgs here from 52.5kgs last start, the Boban form-line is rock solid and stands him in good stead here.
5. PLAYING GOD – S Parham (13) 55.5kgs
He won his first race in sixteen starts and almost two years when successful in the G3 Northerly Stakes (1400m) two starts back. The 6yo trained by Neville Parnham then closed well from the tail of the field in the G3 Lee Steere Stakes (1400m) a fortnight ago to finish 1.4 lengths behind Conservatorium in sixth spot. Under the WFA conditions of last start, he is a afforded a nice weight drop here and did run a close up fourth in this race last year behind Mr. Moet under 57kgs where, as he is today, he was fourth up from a spell. His strike rate is not flash but at $20.00, an each-way case could be made for him.
6. GRAND NIRVANA – P Harvey (2) 55kgs
The 8yo by Scenic has been sparingly raced in the past twelve months by trainer Fred Kersley, having only three starts, two of which have been this month. Under 61.5kgs and first up, he did all that could be expected of him when fifth (beaten 2 ¼ lengths) behind Platinum Rocker in the G3 Asian Beau Stakes before again under a hefty 61kgs, he finished a length behind Kerrific in the G3 R. J. Peters Stakes (1500m) last week. Drops to the luxury weight of 55kgs today and meets Kerrific (quoted at $17.00) 2kgs better. Being third up now and from an astute yard he’ll be at his peak and will have the aid of an inside draw but, it has been a while now since he has been involved in a race of this calibre.
7. KERRIFIC – D Staeck (11) 54.5kgs
He missed the start first up in the G2 Lee Steere Stakes and despite finishing second to last, was only 2.1 lengths behind the winner Conservatorium on the line. He got away better at his next and most recent start, the R. J. Peters Stakes (1500m) and settled in a nice spot behind the speed before proving too strong in the run to the line for his opponents, winning by a neck over Elite Belle. He does drop 5kgs on last weekend’s effort but also rises significantly in class and would need to improve again.
8. KINCAPLE – J Noske (5) 54.5kgs
He ran seventh in the 2011 edition of this race behind Luckygray first up off an eight week spell. Again this year, it has been an unorthodox approach with the now 8yo having had only three starts this year and only one, since June. That start was a fortnight ago in the G2 Lee Steere Stakes (1400m) where he found traffic in the run home and finished seventh but within two lengths of winner Conservatorium on the line. Can only be better for that run and coming back to handicap conditions of this race will suit however off such a light preparation, find it hard to include him with any confidence and he’s drifted early from $13.00 to $17.00.
9. FIRE UP FIFI – D Browne (18) 54kgs.
Honest mare from the Rob Heathcote stables who finished strongly to claim the G2 Blazer Stakes three starts back before getting too far out of her ground and finishing fifth, 4.6 lengths, behind Red Tracer in the G2 Tristarc Stakes (1400m). Her most recent start was a typically honest effort behind the in-form mares Red Tracer and Catkins, running third (2.4 lengths) in the G1 Myer Classic. Steps out against some quality males here for the first time this prep and although in solid form, having to come from gate 18 would make this a tough assignment.
10. MUTUAL TRUST – D Oliver (6) 54kgs
Former European galloper who ran some very neat races in elite company during the spring including a sixth (beaten 2.7 lengths) behind Solzhenitsyn in the G1 Toorak Handicap (1600m). He followed that effort up by running second to Mouro, who was very strong in claiming the Eclipse Stakes at Caufield last week, in the Sale Cup. Led on that occasion but should be able to be ridden with a sit here from gate six. He has the services of Oliver and back down in the weights after carrying 57kgs last time. Yet to win in Australia from six starts but has certainly showed enough to be given his chance here. At $16.00, he represents good each-way value.
11. LONGPORT – C Newitt (12) 53.5kgs
Danny Bougoure now trains this 4yo mare who use to race under the Patinack Farm banner and both of her starts for the new trainer have been first rate. She caught the eye finishing strongly in the G2 Yellowglen Stakes (1200m) behind Fontelina before dominating from the front to win an Open handicap (1400m), the last race of the VRC carnival. Competed successfully against the best in her age group last season and looks to have come back this season in fine order.
12. GOD HAS SPOKEN – B Parnham (3) 53kgs.
Like his full brother Playing God, it has been a long time since this 7yo has visited the winner’s stall – only a few weeks shy of two years as a matter of fact. He has had three starts back from a spell with the most recent coming a fortnight ago in the G2 Lee Steere Stakes (1400m) where, despite having every chance in the run, he could finishing no better than eighth of ten, two lengths from the winner Conservatorium. He ran fifth (beaten 1.4 lengths) behind Mr. Moet in this race last year under the same weight that has been allocated to him this year but find it hard to see him doing any better given his recent efforts.
13. PLATINUM ROCKER – P Knuckey (19) 53kgs
She made it two wins from her last three starts with victory in the G3 Asian Beau Stakes (1400m) three weeks back. The Simon Miller trained mare, who started the 7/4 favourite, was afforded a lovely run from her inside gate and registered a half length win over Vermer. Faces a G1 line-up for the first time here and from a poor draw, would expect that at his level, she would be well accounted for.
14. PLUCKY BELLE – L Nolen (14) 53kgs.
Zabeel mare who has produced two big runs at two big prices since returning from a nineteen week spell. She finished strongly to run ¾ of a length behind Diamond Earth in the G3 The Nivison at 20/1 before being ridden a treat by Nolen from a wide gate in the G3 Lavazza Stakes, where she finished too strong for Arinosa, winning by 1 ¼ lengths at 16/1. She again has drawn wide here and steps up to the mile for only the second time in her career, with the previous effort resulting in a 1 ½ length fourth to Skyerush in the G2 Emanciapation Stakes earlier this year. Nolen will need to produce another first class ride but if able to, can see her being involved in the finish.
15. RANGER – W Pike (9) 53kgs
Resumed off a fourteen week spell with a good finishing effort behind Barakey when fourth (beaten 2 lengths) in the G3 Prince Of Wales (1200m) and was better again when next stepping out in the G2 Lee Steere Stakes (1400m). The 7yo closed well from midfield to run a neck third behind Conservatorium and Checkpoint. The step up to a mile suits and he hasn’t seen a weight this light in a long, long time. He’ll get back in the run and a solid tempo up front would certainly play into his hands. If Pike, who is the regular rider of the horse, can find an uninterrupted run home for the son of Testa Rossa, expect him to produce an effort better than his current quote of $21 would suggest.
16. TALENT SHOW – M Payne (4) 53kgs
After running second of six first up in the Listed Goodwood Sprint (1300m) at Belmont Park in August, the Jeune mare travelled to Victoria to contest some handy staying races. Unfortunately the trip was not a successful one with her best effort in four starts coming in the Listed Bart Cummings (2500m) when fifth (beaten 5 ¾ lengths) behind Araldo. She returned home after the Bart Cummings and had one run finishing fourteenth in a field of sixteen in the Listed Ascot Gold Cup (1800m). Form nowhere good enough to be a consideration here.
17. MOONLIGHT BAY – C Parnham (8) 53kgs (1st EM)
Never threatened in either of her first two runs back from a spell – the G3 Northerly Stakes (1400m) and G3 Asian Beau (1400m) where she finished eleventh of twelve and tenth of eleven respectively. The daughter of Catbird appreciated the step up in distance at her next and most recent start, the Listed Ascot Gold Cup (1800m) and after settling closer to the speed than her previous runs, proved to strong late recording a half length win. Solid win last start but not good enough to see her winning a G1 race.
18. ANGEL OF MERCY – (15) 53kgs (2nd EM)
Indicating she had returned from a spell in good order when hitting the line hard first up in a Belmont Park Open class race (1300m) before confirming it with a dominate four length win in the Listed Northam Cup (1600m). Off of that win she was started the short priced favourite (11/8 favourite) in the Listed Ascot Gold Cup (1800m) where from a wide gate, she find a good spot in running close to the lead. Unfortunately for supporters though, she faded poorly in the straight and ran eleventh of sixteen and over five lengths from Moonlight Bay. Found to be lame post race and whilst she’s performed in good races in the eastern states, none of those races have been at a level of this race.
19. ROHAN – (16) 53kgs (3rd EM)
He has been a model of consistency since returning from a sixteen month spell. The 5yo by Blackfriars ran a head second to Playing God first up with a tough on pace effort before, at his latest two outings, running third in both the G3 Asian Beau (1400m) and G3 R. J. Peters Stakes (1500m) behind Platinum Rocker and Kerrific respectively. On both occasions he finished well from back in the field. Doubt he’ll get a start here being third emergency and probably aiming a little too high if he did however; there is definitely a handy race for him over the summer.
20. ELITE BELLE – (1) 53kgs (4th EM)
The Canny Lad mare very rarely runs a bad race and certainly hasn’t in her three outings since returning from a spell. A win and a head second – both in Open company, were followed by a neck third to Kerrific in the R. J. Peters Stakes (1500m) at her most recent start last week. Needs there to be several scratching to get a start in the race but would certainly be able to mix it with the local horses at least should she gain a start.
RACE OVERVIEW
Expect a solid speed from the outset here with a number of runners who like to settle in a forward position drawn wide plus, those drawn closer to the fence, keen to hold their position early. Looking for some value in wide open race, Mutual Trust, who from gate six should get a nice spot in the run, appeals the most at $16.00 It was a solid effort last start in the Sale Cup and with a softer run and a much lighter weight here, he can run a big race. Smokin’ Joey’s and Longport have both been excellent in their past two respective runs and will more than likely figure in the finish whilst the best of the local hopes for mine, lay with Ranger.
- MUTUAL TRUST
- SMOKIN’ JOEY
- LONGPORT
- RANGER
