This Saturday, November 23, Perth’s richest race will light up Ascot Racecourse with the running of the 2013 Railway Stakes – betting tips and selections for which are detailed below.

2011 Railway Stakes winner Luckygray is a chance to place again this year after a 2nd 12 months ago. Photo: Sarah Ebbett

Of the bumper field of gallopers accepted for this year’s $1 million Group 1 Carlton Draught Railway Stakes (1600m) the favourite is Victorian raider Smokin’ Joey.

Coming off great form in Melbourne, most recently a close second in the Group 1 Emirates Stakes (1600m) from November 9, the Wez Hunter-trained son of Encosta De Lago is after their own elite level trophy.

The next best in Railway Stakes betting are then last start Flemington winning mare Longport ($6) getting in on just 53.5kg, the Peter Moody-trained fellow lightweight with 53kg Plucky Belle ($8) and Rob Heathcote’s Myer Classic third placegetter Fire Up Fifi ($9).

But are these single-figure fancies the ones to beat in the Railway Stakes?

Or is there value to be found with an upset selection this weekend with plenty of livewire chances at betting odds?

1st

#10 Mutual Trust ($12)

They are the market mover and have been one of the best backed Railway Stakes chances this year and we can see why. Have three wins over the mile to their name already and after a soft second in the Sale Cup last start looks like Sam Pritchard-Gordon’s Mornington-based galloper could be in line for a fourth. Their last run was good when carrying 57.5kg and while this is a notable rise in class for a horse that hasn’t won down under, the French import’s last victory being in the Group 1 Prix Jean Prat (1600m) in their opening campaign in France, they will appreciate coming back to just 54kg here with Damien Oliver in the saddle. Should get a gun run from the gate (6) too.

2nd

#13 Platinum Rocker ($17)

Lots of value here in Simon Miller’s local Love A Dane mare who comes off a win over Vermeer and Rohan in the Group 3 Asian Beau Stakes (1400m) at the track earlier this month. Should be fresh after a couple of week break and ready to strike adding to their good record of eight victories and two minor placings from just 12 starts. Has the best Win (67%) and Place (83%) rates of the field, and also has won two from four at the track. So lightly raced so should have plenty in their legs, have only had the one attempt at the mile though when they weren’t well so how they handle the distance will be key.

3rd

#1 Luckygray ($26)

Hasn’t been much love for Trevor Andrew’s Bradbury’s Luck grey who, when under the training of Gary Portelli, won 2012 Kingston Town Classic and 2011 Railway Stakes. Was second in this last year to Mr Moet carrying 58kg, the same weight they have again this year. Need to overcome a wide barrier (17) but look to be hitting peak form again after running a length away fourth to Conservatorium in the Group 2 Lee Steere Stakes (1400m) last start. Has a top record at the track with eight wins from 13 starts and two from four over the mile.

Think we’re right in tipping an upset Railway Stakes result? Head to our preferred online betting agency Ladbrokes.com.au now and lock in our tips at the guaranteed best prices down under!

*All odds quoted are Fixed Win from Ladbrokes.com.au and subject to change