On Saturday a class field of middle distance gallopers will face off in Perth’s Railway Stakes 2014, betting tips on the mile showdown listed below.
There is a capacity field engaged for this year’s $1 million Group 1 Carlton Draught Railway Stakes (1600m), the handicap clash running as Ascot Race 8 at 4:45pm (local time).
Heading the Railway Stakes field and betting markets at an easing $4.80 is the Mick Burles-trained The Cleaner, the last start Emirates Stakes third placed seven-year-old carrying the 58kg top weight.
Out to break his Group 1 maiden, the Tasmanian-trained The Cleaner will ensure a truly run Railway Stakes thanks to his exciting front-running style that will likely see jockey Steven Arnold try to go all-the-way on the Dato’ Tan Chin Nam Stakes winner.
Also high up the Railway Stakes odds at Ladbrokes.com.au are the likes of last season’s WATC Derby winner Respondent ($6) with the rails run here and the fellow Grant Williams-trained Elite Belle ($7.50) to be ridden by William Pike on the back of a Group 2 Lee Steere Stakes (1400m) fourth last time out.
So will the favourite get the job done and become just the third punters’ pick in 11 years to win?
Or is there an upset Railway Stakes result on the card from a longer priced hopeful once again with the likes of The Goodwood winner Smokin’ Joey ($15), 2012 Railway champ Mr Moet ($13) and even early market mover Chester Road ($51 into $31) not without their claims.
1st
#16 Respondent ($6)
Grant Williams’ Haradasun gelding has the rails run here after a nice lead-up campaign. Won the WATC Derby over 2400m as a three-year-old in April before a first-up fourth in the Group 3 Northerly Stakes (1400m) in October. Third behind Balmont Girl in the Group 3 Asian Beau Stakes (1400m) on November 1 then finished second to Bass Strait last Saturday in the Group 3 RJ Peters Stakes (1500m). Is on the improve, will relish the mile and will get the run of the race from the inside with the 53kg minimum. If he gets there at the top of the straight will be hard to run down.
2nd
#1 The Cleaner ($4.80)
Class galloper with Group form aplenty from Melbourne he brings over. Has to carry the big top weight and give notable kilos away but is deserving on that based on his lead-up form that includes two Group victories at Moonee Valley, a flashing ninth in the Cox Plate under WFA conditions and his third in the Emirates Stakes over the Flemington mile last time out. Will be putting on a strong pace pushing forward up front, appreciating too an easier class of rivals here than what he’s faced over the past couple of months.
3rd
#13 Fuchsia Bandana ($15)
Darren Mcauliffe-trained mare won the Northerly Stakes two back before a second behind Winterbottom Stakes fancy Magnifisio in the Lee Steere Stakes form November 8. She’s yet to get up over the mile but her lead-up form is excellent and she’s yet to finish out of the money with four wins and two minor placings from six starts at the track. The Lee Steere Stakes has produced four of the past 10 Railway Stakes winners and she’s the best finishing of the hopes backing up from that race this year. She also boasts the highest Win Rate (50%) and Place Rate (86%) so could surprise with a win no dramas with 53kg.
Whether you’re backing or sacking our Railway Stakes tips make sure you lock in your selections online at Ladbrokes.com.au for the guaranteed best Perth Summer Racing Carnival odds!
*All odds quoted are Fixed Win from Ladbrokes.com.au and subject to change