The 2017 Railway Stakes tips for the opening Perth Summer Racing Carnival Group 1 are detailed below ahead of the mile classic at Ascot Racecourse on Saturday in W.A.

Five-time Group 1 winner Black Heart Bart is one of the best in 2017 Railway Stakes betting but could struggle under the top weight in Perth on the weekend. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.

The three highest-rated and weighted runners in the capacity field for this year’s Group 1 $1 million Railway Stakes (1600m) are also the best in betting with markets narrowly led by Tom Melbourne ($6).

Chris Waller’s perennial runner-up is tipped by the bookies at Ladbrokes.com.au to finally break through and salute sitting top of the Railway Stakes odds.

His lead-up has been good and with 55kg he still looks relatively well-weighted despite going up from the 53.5kg he carried to second in the Group 1 Kennedy Mile (1600m) at Flemington last time out.

On the ease slightly back out to $6.50 is the reigning Railway Stakes winner Scales Of Justice, the local Lindsey Smith-trained five-year-old reuniting with Douglas Whyte who guided him to victory in the race 12 months ago.

Darren Weir’s Perth expat Black Heart Bart is back in W.A. for the first time in two years, the five-time Group 1 champion chasing his maiden elite level this side of the country.

The Blackfriars seven-year-old is out to break a six-straight losing streak and even with the hefty 59kg top weight is being kept safe in betting at an equal $6.50 quote with Scales Of Justice.

Earlier in the week we published our comprehensive 2017 Railway Stakes Form Guide & Betting Preview, our insider tips below based on the facts and stats uncovered.

1^st

#16 Variation ($10)

Tipping the market mover who has been well-supported early by the punters firming in from an opening quote of $13. Stephen Miller’s War Chant four-year-old is lightly-weighted (53kg) and drawn to win in gate four. Brad Parnham continues his association with the gelding who won the WA Guineas at this track / distance on Railway Stakes Day 12 months ago. Variation is undefeated at a mile (3: 3-0-0) and is building to a win after three good lead-up placings including the close second in the Asian Beau and third in the RJ Peters Stakes last Saturday. On the short back-up, but drops weight, gets up to the mile and is rock hard fit ready to fly home.

2^nd

#7 Silverstream ($16)

Think the locals have the measure of the eastern state visitors this year and happy to tip another big run from this Adam Durrant-trained mare even from the outside alley. Barrier 16 of 16 presents a challenge for the in-form Al Maher six-year-old, but the re-booking of William Pike can help her overcome the alley. Silverstream doesn’t know how to run a bad race and she chases a third win on the trot after taking out the Group 3 Northerly Stakes and Group 2 Lee Steere Stakes over 1400m at Ascot. She beat Scales Of Justice (3^rd) in an upset last time out, but needs to prove herself at a mile here. The drop to 53.5kg helps. Genuine Each Way chance at a price.

3^rd

#2 Scales Of Justice ($6.50)

Last year’s champion is up in weight, drawn a wider gate and has history against him. That said, this galloper is full of class and Whyte is back in the saddle. Hasn’t won since the winter, but will relish getting up to a mile having won all three starts over the metres and can atone for the close third as the beaten favourite last time out when a bit fresh in the Lee Steere. Fitter here, better distance and is building ready to peak in the Group 1s again.

Whether you’re backing or sacking our Railway Stakes 2017 tips, ensure you’ve got access to the top Perth racing odds this Saturday through Ladbrokes.com.au.