And just like that, we’re off to the nation’s west for the final three Group 1 features on the Australian racing calendar, kicking off with Saturday’s Railway Stakes at Ascot!
The Railway Stakes has been won by some champion gallopers throughout its storied existence, and it has often propelled leading West Australians into stardom.
I’ve run the rule over this year’s field, and you can find my complete 2023 Railway Stakes Tips below.
Suggested Bets
- 3 Units straight out #1 Tuvalu
- Boxed Trifecta of the selections below
Railway Stakes – Winner
It’s the perfect Group 1 target for Tuvalu, and I think that he will be crowned the 2023 Railway Stakes winner.
Tuvalu has proven to be the standout for veteran west and east coast horseman, Lindsay Smith, for the last couple of years, and he realised his Group 1 potential with a lovely win in the 2022 Toorak Handicap.
While he actually hasn’t won another race since then, Tuvalu has continued to return strong performances in good Victorian company, placing in each of his last three starts, including the Underwood Stakes.
He’s fit, Jamie Kah rides from a good draw, and I thought the $6 about him in Railway Stakes betting (at publish) was a touch of overs.
Suggested Bet: No. 1 Tuvalu
Railway Stakes – 2nd
This year’s east coast contingent does look to be a good one, and Roots is another leading chance in the 2023 Railway Stakes.
The Chris Waller-trained mare ended her winter prep a close second in the Group 1 Tatt’s Tiara, and has improved with each of three starts back this time, culminating in a dominant win in the Group 2 Hot Danish Stakes last time out.
She looks to be in peak order now, the mile is ideal and with even luck from the wide draw, I think she’ll be right in the finish again.
Suggested Bet: No. 5 Roots
Railway Stakes – 3rd
Grant & Alana Williams hold a strong hand in the 2023 Railway Stakes field, including leading contender Alsephina.
Alsephina doesn’t know how to run a bad race, winning nine of her thirteen career starts to date and placing on every other occasion.
She has tuned up for this race with consecutive second placings in the Asian Beau Stakes and the RJ Peters Stakes, and the mile at this point of her preparation is ideal.
The booking of William Pike certainly doesn’t hinder her chances either.
Suggested Bet: No. 7 Alsephina
Railway Stakes – 4th
His chances did take something of a hit when he was allocated a carpark draw, but Forgot You is well and truly worthy of his place in this Railway Stakes field, and I think he can return another cheeky effort.
The Savabeel entire has been a good horse for the Busuttin & Young yard since debuting, and he has improved with each of three runs back this time, culminating in a smart win in the Listed Cup Day Plate at Flemington most recently.
If he does get the required luck in running, he does look up to winning something of this quality, and he takes 5kgs from the topweight.
Suggested Bet: No. 9 Forgot You