Group 1 racing crosses the Nullarbor on Saturday, and a strong edition of the Railway Stakes headlines an impressive program at Ascot.
Without the ability for eastern raiders to have a crack this year, the Railway Stakes field is stacked with Perth’s best milers, including the outstanding Western Empire.
Check out my complete race preview and 2021 Railway Stakes Tips below.
Railway Stakes – Winner – No. 16 Western Empire
He opened an odd-on favourite in Railway Stakes betting and for good reason. I think that Western Empire will be winning.
The Iffraaj gelding has recorded six wins and four minors from his eleven career starts so far, and he ended his last prep with four-consecutive victories in black type company, including the WATC Derby.
He picked up where he left off with a dominant win in the Asian Beau Stakes three weeks ago, and he will only improve for that effort and getting out to a mile.
Railway Stakes – 2nd – No. 1 Valour Road
Valour Road has improved for each of his three starts back this time, and he strikes the Railway Stakes in peak order.
The Frost Giant gelding filled the minors in each of the Birthday Stakes and the Northerly Stakes when resuming this time, and chased home Massimo in the Lee Steere last time out, finishing only half a length behind in second.
He will require some luck in running after drawing wide but with even luck, he certainly has the ability.
Railway Stakes – 3rd – No. 3 The Velvet King
He has been one of the better milers going around in Perth for several seasons now, and I think that The Velvet King represents a live chance of running into the placings at a lovely price ($21 at publish).
The Velvet King has picked off plenty of quality races throughout his career, and he has beaten home many top-level gallopers on many occasions.
He takes his place in the Railway Stakes field following a credible effort for fifth in the Lee Steere Stakes, and his second-up record is excellent.
Railway Stakes – 4th – No. 10 Kissonallforcheeks
Kissonallforcheeks has returned to the races in great form this time, and she too looms as a winning chance in the Railway Stakes 2021.
The four-year-old daughter of Written Tycoon has won two from four back this time, highlighted by her eye-catching performance in the RJ Peters Stakes last weekend.
She’s fit, so I don’t think that the short back-up will be a problem, but she bombed her one previous run over a mile, and that is the query for mine.
Railway Stakes Suggested Bets
- 6 Units straight out #16 Western Empire
- Boxed Trifecta of the selections below