Tips Category: Railway Stakes

As the weather starts to heat up, so does the racing in Western Australia. The first of three Group 1 races kicks off on Saturday at Ascot, the $1.5m Railways Stakes. The mile feature, held under handicap conditions, has long been a staple on the WA Racing calendar and was first run and won in 1887. The race, without fail, brings together a quality field of gallopers, both local and interstate, and was taken out last year by Western Empire, with ‘The Wizard’ William Pike on board.

Looking at the market, Dabble has Derby winner Alaskan God favourite at $4.20 off the back of a brilliant return three weeks ago. Trix Of The Trade is on the second line of betting at $5.00 and Karli’s Karma is also well fancied at $7.00. These three runners dominate the market and it’s double figures or better for the rest of the field.

However, we know with horse racing that anything can happen and there’s plenty of different form lines in this race. So, we have dissected each of the horses’ chances for you and provided our horse racing tips! Read on below to find our runner by runner preview of the 2022 Railway Stakes along with The Shark’s best tips. 

1. Resortman (1) – $20
Jockey – Brad Rawiller 57kg
Trainer – Michael Lane

Consistent galloper who scored well first up in the Eurythmic before chasing hard last start and going down narrowly in the Lee Steere behind Massimo. Steps up to 1600m for the first time here and has to carry the top weight but is deserved of that and should get a nice trail from the inside gate. Can figure in the finish.

2. Yonkers (11) – $14
Jockey – Paul Harvey 56.5kg
Trainer – Chris Waller

Sydney-sider who wasn’t beaten far in the Rosehill Gold Cup last start. His run prior at Caulfield was solid. Drops back to the mile here but gets in well at the weights and is a classy galloper. Don’t overlook.

Furphy-Railway Stakes Barrier Draw results are in! @TheRacesWA pic.twitter.com/DRrl6NewmA

— Perth Racing (@PerthRacing) November 15, 2022

3. God Has Chosen (17) – $31
Jockey – Clint Johnston-Porter 55.5kg
Trainer – Donna Riordan

Winner of eight from sixteen who hasn’t quite shown his best form so far this preparation, despite races not being run to suit. The step up in trip looks ideal here but he has to overcome an outside gate and have others ahead of him.

4. Kaptain Kaos (3) – $101
Jockey – Lucy Warwick 55.5kg
Trainer – Michael Grantham

Hasn’t done much in two runs back this prep. Will appreciate getting out to a mile here, where he’s a two time winner, and has drawn well but needs to improve sharply if he’s to take home the winners trophy. Blinkers on first time may spark something?

5. Marocchino (13) – $34
Jockey – Jason Whiting 55kg
Trainer – Lou Louciani

Led from go to whoa last start in the Northam Cup over this trip. The run prior behind Resortman was ok. Should be ready to peak third up and is one from one this track/trip. Probably doesn’t have the class of some of his rivals here but can run into the placings if he puts his best foot forward.

6. Comfort Me (19) – $21
Jockey – Peter Knuckey 54kg
Trainer – Rhys Radford

Runner up in this race last year who hasn’t been far away in two runs back this prep. Looks ready for the mile now and is going well enough to run another big race this year but the gate is a big disadvantage. Will need plenty of luck.

7. Alaskan God (14) – $4.20F
Jockey – Chris Parnham 53kg
Trainer – Daniel Morton

Strung five wins together last prep including the WATC Derby here at Ascot. Got a long way back first up in the Asian Beau and absolutely flashed late to finish a close up sixth. Looks well suited up to the mile second up and is dangerous with no weight on his back here. The one to beat.

Who are you with in the Railway Stakes? (Comment others)

— TABtouch (@TAB_touch) November 16, 2022

8. Buster Bash (12) – $23
Jockey – Joseph Azzopardi 53kg
Trainer – David Harrison

Front running five year old who was too strong last start in the Listed Luckygray here at Ascot. This is tougher but he will make his own luck on speed from the middle gate, presents rock hard fit and is no stranger to the winners stall. Respect.

9. Ironclad (7) – $10
Jockey – Lachlan Neindorf (a) 53kg
Trainer – Will Clarken

SA trained galloper who was super first up at Flemington behind Old Flame before an honest fourth in the Cranbourne Cup last Saturday. Comes into this seven days between runs and has had to travel but is loaded with potential and drawn well. Don’t dismiss.

10. Karli’s Karma (9) – $7.00
Jockey – Shaun O’Donnell 53kg
Trainer – Summer Dickson

Sizeable mare who is racing in fine fettle this preparation. Just missed in the Lee Steere last start behind Massimo. This is tougher and she steps up to the mile now but rarely runs a bad race and will be in it for a long way with the light weight on her back.

11. Last Of The Line (18) – $17
Jockey – Brad Parnham 53kg
Trainer – Stephen Miller

On the quick back up after a close up fourth to Searchin’ Roc’s last Saturday. Form prior was just fair and the wide gate all but seals his fate in this field. Looking to others.

12. Notorious One (10) – $61
Jockey – Laqdar Ramoly (a) 53kg
Trainer – Chris & Michael Gangemi

Rising eight year old who hasn’t been too far away this prep without threatening. Finished fourth in this race last year and is a two time winner at this track/distance but isn’t going as well heading into this and needs to find.

All set for the 2022 @FurphyBeer Railway Stakes barrier draw at The Camfield!#ThePinnacles #AscotRacingCarnival pic.twitter.com/5G3f2dJKxa

— Perth Racing (@PerthRacing) November 15, 2022

13. Searchin’ Roc’s (2) – $14
Jockey – Kyra Yuill 53kg
Trainer – Jim Taylor

Won the Belmont Oaks as a three year old. Had no luck first up in the Asian Beau before a great ride/win last Saturday in the R J Peters. Beat a handy field on that occasion and should enjoy another nice run in transit here. Will give backers a great sight at good odds.

14. Startrade (4) – $34
Jockey – Chris Nicoll 53kg
Trainer – Daniel Morton

Twelve time winner who finished a good second in the Asian Beau last start behind Treasured Star. Hasn’t won past 1400m which is some concern but is going well and will enjoy a nice run in the race from the good draw. Not the worst.

15. Treasured Star (20) – $10
Jockey – William Pike 53kg
Trainer – Adam Durrant

Lightly raced mare who had a good run and won well last start in the Asian Beau. She’s one for one at this track/distance, that win came twelve months ago in the WA Guineas. The barrier draw is a big blow here and Pike will need to use every bit of his wizardry if he’s to win his fifth consecutive Railway.

16. Trix Of The Trade (8) – $5.00
Jockey – Troy Turner 53kg
Trainer – Colin Webster

Good win first up under 61kg before a fast finishing third behind Treasured Star last start. Fair to say the barrier probably beat him last time out and from the better draw here, he can settle closer and should be hard to beat.

“The three weeks between runs is really going to help his preparation.”@TroyJags on Trix Of The Trade in Saturday’s Railway Stakes.

He’s a $5.50 chance with @TAB_touch

📻| 1206AM
📱| 0427 789 571
💻| @TAB_touch app

— TABradio (@TABradio) November 16, 2022

17e. Winning Partner (15) – $41
Jockey – Barend Vorster 53kg
Trainer – Tony & Calvin McEvoy

Dominant winner at Moonee Valley two starts ago before an even effort last start under the big weight. Will appreciate the 8kg weight drop here and is good enough to figure in the finish with a bit of luck.

18e. Let’s Galahvant (6) – $41
Jockey – N/A 53kg
Trainer – Daniel & Ben Pearce

Rode the speed and held on well last start behind Searchin’ Roc’s. Rarely runs a bad race and from the good draw can figure in the finish at odds if he gains a start.

19e. Devoted (16) – $13
Jockey – N/A 53kg
Trainer – Michael Grantham

Hasn’t had much go his way this preparation. Latest raced wide and still ran on well to finish third to Searchin’ Roc’s here at Ascot. Tends to race better at Belmont but if he gains a start, can’t be left out of consideration.

20e. Chili Is Hot (5) – $126
Jockey – N/A 53kg
Trainer – Graeme Ballantyne

Handy mare who is never far away but is struggling to find her best form of late and this race looks a bit beyond her.

Final Word

The first of three majors in the west will be run and won on Saturday, and a full field of talented milers will take their place.

No surprise to see Alaskan God at the top of the betting here. His first up run was super, where he reeled off some outstanding late sectionals from the back of the field. The step up to 1600m is ideal and despite the wide draw, I think he’s clearly the one to beat.

Interstate galloper, Ironclad, has come back well this preparation and has been good in both runs back. He should enjoy a nice run midfield from the good draw and will be strong late. Looks the danger.

Trix Of The Trade was stiff last start in the Asian Beau and is another who should find a good spot from the kinder draw. He has a brilliant record here at Ascot and is one from one at the Ascot mile.

Can’t leave Searchin’ Roc’s out of the numbers after her win last Saturday. She was luckless first up and will make her own luck in the first half of the field.

Railway Stakes Tip

7. Alaskan God – Win ($4.20)

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*Odds correct at time of writing, courtesy of Dabble.

Western Australia’s TABtouch Masters kicks off this Saturday with the running of the 1600m Railway Stakes, worth $1M! Despite the lack of East Coast raiders, due to the Government regulations, this looks to be an incredible edition of the Railway Stakes, with four of the capacity 16 runners having won in their last start. 

Looking at the market, Dabble has a clear favourite, Western Empire. The four-year-old gelding comes into this on the back of five consecutive wins and is the only runner in single figures, priced at $1.75. 

However, we know with horse racing that anything can happen and Western Empire isn’t just a lock. So, we have dissected each of the horses’ chances for you! Read on below to find out runner by runner preview of the 2021 Railway Stakes along with The Shark’s Railway Stakes best tips. 

1. Valour Road (17) – $19
Jockey – Brad Rawiller
Trainer – Simon Miller

While others might just be starting or building into further races, Valour Road is ready to peak here in the Railway. He has finished top three in each of his three runs this prep and has won three of his four 4th up runs previously. He has also won his only run at the distance, which came 4th up at the end of last prep. 

2. Massimo (11) – $13
Jockey – Clint Johnston-Porter
Trainer – Chris & Michael Gangemi

Massimo has come back to life this preparation. Two close 2nds followed by a win in the Lee Steere Stakes show that he has the muster to win this, however he hasn’t even placed from two runs at the distance. He is clearly one of the main chances to topple the favourite, especially considering he has good 4th up form, but he is the third favourite and finished behind two horses in this race over 1600m to end last prep. 

Bold display from Massimo to notch up 9th win – 3rd at stakes level – in the Group 2 @WAROA Lee Steere S. at Ascot. By Oakland Park’s Sessions & a ¾ brother in blood to G1 winner Exosphere, Massimo was sold to Gangemi Racing for $150k at the 2021 @inglis_sales Digital June Sale pic.twitter.com/5a5jcOsiLz

— Aushorse (@Aushorse_TBA) November 6, 2021

3. The Velvet King (9) – $21
Jockey – Kyre Yuill
Trainer – Darren McAuliffe

We are surprised to see The Velvet King with the same odds as Valour Road, considering the latter finished over 3L ahead of him two weeks ago. He is yet to finish better than third from six runs at either Group One or Two level and only has one win from seven tries at the distance. 

4. Dance Music (15) – $34
Jockey – Brad Parnham
Trainer – Simon Miller

Dance Music is another where we are confused by the odds on offer. He won 1st up, beating Massimo, before finishing third behind that gelding and Valour Road two weeks ago. That is nothing to scoff at, considering he has finished top three in each of his last nine runs. He has only missed a top two finish over 1600m once from four tries, with two of those being wins. He just has to overcome the wide draw and find cover or not get stuck three wide up the front, considering he likes being on the pace. 

5. Too Close The Sun (2) – $26
Jockey – Joseph Azzopardi
Trainer – Lindsey Smith

You could tell that he needed the run in the Lee Steere, when finishing almost 5L off the pace, but his second up record is something to behold. He has four wins and a third from six runs and has come second in his only run at the distance. He has also drawn very nicely in barrier two and could be one of the main dangers at massive odds. 

6. Comfort Me (16) – $23
Jockey – Peter Knuckey
Trainer – Rhys Radford

Comfort Me brings some completely different form, winning back to back BM72 races, but this is a big step up from that. He has won 4th up and has won at the distance, but would need to improve sharply, especially considering he has drawn wide. 

7. Dig Deep (7) – $71
Jockey – Patrick Carbery
Trainer – Daniel & Ben Pearce

He has never missed a place when 3rd up from a spell and meets Kaptain Kaos 3.5kg better at the weights, after finishing less than 2.5L off him last start. He has actually won at Group Two level but is yet to fire at the distance. 

Kaptain Kaos leaves rivals in disarray with command performance to capture the Listed Iron Jack Northam Cup. A 5th stakes winner for the late Lonhro stallion Demerit, the ultra consistent Kaptain Kaos (7 wins & 4 placings from 12 starts) has won $300k in stakes. @PerthRacing pic.twitter.com/NJYcl9F5s8

— Aushorse (@Aushorse_TBA) October 24, 2021

8. Kaptain Kaos (10) – $19
Jockey – Lucy Warwick
Trainer – Michael Grantham

He’s been up a long time but he has been great this preparation. From six runs, Kaptain Kaos has four wins, a third and a fourth, however the fourth was in his most recent run, indicating he may be in need of a break. He is 1/1 at 1600m and has only missed the top three once from five runs at Ascot, but this is a big step up here. 

9. Kay Cee (6) – $34
Jockey – Steven Parnham
Trainer – Neville Parnham

It has been a while between drinks for Kay Cee, not only not winning in her last seven runs, she hasn’t even placed in her last seven runs. All her form is on good tracks and she has finished top 3 in three of her five runs at the distance, so she may be able to bounce back with just 53kg on her back. 

10. Kissonallforcheeks (1) – $10
Jockey – Chris Parnham
Trainer – Daniel Morton

Kissonallforcheeks is another that has had a fantastic preparation, with two wins and a second from four runs. Chris Parnham obviously works wonders with her, riding her four times for three wins and a second. The query is a strongly run 1600m but her only try at the distance was on a Heavy8 and she was clearly great over 1500m last start. 

⚜️Another stakes winner for Written Tycoon with Kissonallforcheeks (ex Rosie Rocket) finding the line in time in the G3 RJ Peters Stakes at Ascot.

Bred in WA, she was a $120k @mmsnippets Gold Coast Yearling purchase for trainer @MortonRacing from @NewhavenPark.

Congrats all! pic.twitter.com/68V1cktt5g

— Yulong Investments (@YulongInvestme1) November 13, 2021

11. Naughty By Nature (12) – $81
Jockey – Jordan Turner
Trainer – Jason Miller

She may have great 3rd up stats, 4:2-0-2, but she was 5L off Western Empire last start and only gets a 2kg weight advantage here. 

12. Notorious One (4) – $14
Jockey – Shaun O’Donnell
Trainer – Chris & Michael Gangemi

Has been up for six runs this time around, but Notorious One has won three of them and is yet to miss a place. He finished 2nd behind Western Empire last start, in the Asian Beau Stakes, but was over 2L off, meets him at equal weights again and has no advantage at the barriers. 

13. Platoon (14) – $61
Jockey – Jason Brown
Trainer – Neville Parnham

Happy to leave Platoon out of consideration in his 40th career start. He hasn’t finished better than fourth this prep and hasn’t won 4th up from four tries. 

14. Son Of Bacchus (8) – $41
Jockey – Jason Whiting
Trainer – Rhys Radford

Here is another one with confusing odds. Son Of Bacchus finished 0.3L off Kissonallforcheeks last start but here, despite meeting at equal weights again, he is $41 while that horse is $10. He has form at the distance and only runs well on good tracks, so it is confusing to see the price discrepancy here, and if you think Kissonallforcheeks is a chance to win, you have to factor Son Of Bacchus into your exotics. 

15. Tellem We’re Comin (13) – $51
Jockey – Troy Turner
Trainer – Daniel Morton

After carrying 59kg last start, when just over 4L off Massimo, Tellem We’re Comin drops to 53kg for the Railway. He has great 3rd up form, with four wins and a third from seven runs at the distance but he hasn’t placed from four tries at group level. 

Winner of the G2 Western Australian Derby earlier this year, Western Empire (#Iffraaj) cruises to victory in the G3 Asian Beau Stakes at Ascot 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/GbinxKEEWG

— Darley in Europe (@DarleyEurope) October 30, 2021

16. Western Empire (3) – $1.75
Jockey – William Pike
Trainer – Grant & Alana Williams

He is an exceptional talent that has only missed the place once from 11 career starts. That was just his third career run and he finished 4th in the G2 WA Guineas, before he’d even broken his maiden. He has now won five straight races, including at G2 and G3 level, plus the Pike/Williams combo has won the last three runnings of this race. 

17e. Media Baron (5) – $126
Jockey – Jade McNaught
Trainer – David Harrison

Has had six runs this prep and not finished better than 4th. The good old adage, needs luck to get in and then luck if he does. 

Final Word

There is no surprise that Western Empire is a clear favourite for the 2021 Railway Stakes, and we completely agree that he deserves to be. However, we can’t sit here and offer up a $1.75 pick and feel comfortable about it. So, we are going with an exacta, with Western Empire as a standout winner, with some nice value behind him and hope for a result. 

We are chucking in Valour Road, who hasn’t missed a place this prep and has exceptional 4th up stats. We also like Dance Music to run a big race, considering he has placed in nine straight starts and has finished top two in 3/4 runs at the distance. Son Of Bacchus is another that is over the odds, based on his run behind Kissonallforcheeks last start, and we have to chuck in for some value. We round it out with Tellem We’re Comin, who drops 6kg from his last start and has spectacular third up form. 

So there we have it, Western Empire to win with four roughies potentially coming second, meaning there are just four combos to bet on! Considering the place odds of our four horses range between $4.60 and $8, we should be able to find a bit more of a profit than backing Western Empire straight up. 

Best Railway Stakes Tip: Exacta – (16 / 1,4,14,15)

There are other feature races going on around the country! We have provided you with a runner-by-runner preview of the $1M The Gong at Kembla Grange, so don’t miss out preview and best tip for the big race!

If you need more news, information and predictions, head over to our Railway Stakes page for all your punting needs!

*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of Dabble.