Standout local Delicacy’s chances of success in the 2015 Railway Stakes (1600m) at Ascot on Saturday took a hit when allocated the wide and reasonably awkward barrier 15, but jockey William Pike is confident the mare more than has the class to overcome the draw and post a third win at the highest level.
Delicacy is primed for a big performance in the 2015 Railway Stakes. Photo: Jenny Barnes
Delicacy has been a standout performer for leading Perth trainer Grant Williams since debuting to racing in July 2014; posting an impressive ten wins and four minors through only fifteen competitive starts.
Having retuned to racing for a credible third in the Group 2 Lee Steere Stakes (1400m) at Ascot a fortnight ago, Pike is thrilled with the condition of the talented daughter of Al Maher and is confident she remains to horse to beat in the 2015 Railway Stakes despite the wide draw.
“I was very happy with her work,” Pike told the West Australian.
“She is very comfortable wherever you put her in a race.
“That’s the beauty of riding her because she can go forward or settle back and she is comfortable. She is just such a versatile racehorse.”
Pike was also offered the ride on leading contender Real Love in the 2015 Railway Stakes but chose to continue his affiliation with a proven Group 1 performer in Delicacy.
“It was very hard to pick one over the other to be honest,” Pike said.
“I tried to find excuses for riding one and getting off the other, but I really couldn’t split them.”
Delicacy returned to racing this year for second in an Ascot minor over 1400m on January 31st; progressing to third in the Listed Make Your Own Magic Challenge (1500m) before taking out each of the Listed Ascot 1000 Guineas (1800m), Listed Natasha Stakes (2200m), Group 3 WA Oaks (2400m) and Group 2 WATC Derby (2400m).
Floated to South Australia for a maiden tilt at Group 1 glory, the mare produced a huge turn of foot to beat a talented field to the line in the Group 1 Australasian Oaks (2000m) repeating the dose in the Group 1 SA Derby (2500m) a week later.
Ladbrokes.com.au is currently offering the best 2015 Railway Stakes odds, for which Delicacy remains outright $4.20 favourite for success.
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