Railway Stakes 2023
Distance: 1600m | Conditions: Handicap | Rail Position: True | Track Condition: Good 4
The Railway Stakes headlines Day Two of The Pinnacles – WA’s premier Racing Carnival and a hot field has been assembled for the 1600m feature this Saturday. A handy bunch will make the trip across from the East but the locals will be confident of a homegrown hero taking it out, with a strong contingent from the West taking to the barriers. Let’s try and find the winner!
SPEED MAP
We should get a genuine tempo for this year’s edition with Tuvalu and Marochhino rolling forward and fighting for position. Likely we also see Massimo and Comfort Me press forward from the wide alley’s to put themselves into the race, ensuring a solid speed. Alselphina will have no excuses from 7 and should box seat, with Dom to Shoot, Bustler and Karli’s Karma there abouts in midfield. Roots will have it all to do from out there, while Forgot You and The Velvet Queen will be dragged to last.
KEY RUNNERS
1: 
Tuvulu (4)
Class runner of the field and after drawing a favourable barrier, has soared into favouritism. Picked up some nice results throughout the early Group 1’s of the Spring, including a 2nd to Alligator Blood in the Underwood. But after being freshened he turned in a rather flat performance in the Crystal Mile, which hasn’t proved to be the form race we thought it might be. Happy to give another chance, and you get a nice price for him.
2: 
Marochhino (14)
Ran them off their feet in the Asian Beau at 100-1, and tried to do it all again in the Lee Steere but was found out late. Even more pressure in this so it’s hard to see him winning. Has had market support though?
3: 
Comfort Me (18)
Come back in good order, filling the minors in both starts and is a two-time runner up in this race. Drawn the carpark and probably lacks the zip to match it with these.
4: 
Dom To Shoot (12)
His run in the Lee Steere, sitting three wide no cover and continued to find to finish a close second. Will need some luck from the draw but if he can replicate that run you have to put him into calculations.
5: 
Roots (15)
Makes the big trip west after putting them away in a relatively weak Hot Danish Stakes last start. Big step up here and drawn awkwardly so will need a peach from Tommy Berry but she can make her presence felt. Edging towards a backable price.
6: 
Trix Of The Trade (1)
Defending champ who hasn’t won since taking out the 2022 edition. Has had some excuses but I don’t think he’s going well enough to win this. Boasts a good track/trip record and should see an better version of him third-up but will need to take almighty improvement off that last start.
7: 
Alsephina (7)
One of the favourites to take out this year’s Railway following some nice lead up races, finishing second in both the Lee Steere and RJ Peters. Draws the right gate, retains the ride of Pike and will appreciate the weight relief. Only concern is she’s had every chance in both runs this campaign and hasn’t got it done. Tuvalu won’t make it easy for her but she ticks plenty of boxes.
8: 
Bustler (2)
One of the leading chances from the local brigade who looks ready to peak here. Got caught too far back first-up in the Eurythmic, then had excuses in the Lee Steere most recently. Maps to get a much easier run and can figure in the finish.
9: 
Forgot You (19)
Another East Coast representative who comes into this off a win on on Cup Day over 1800m. Don’t love the drop back to the mile, looks a bit sharp for me and while he can run well, The Northerly looks to be more his go.
10: 
Karli’s Karma (8)
Spent almost a year in the paddock and returned a more than satisfactory performance in the Jolly Beggar then was freshened before her dominant win last time out in the Eurythmic. They’ve stuck with the same formula here, arriving five weeks between runs but she looks a mare with x-factor. Could shock.
11: 
Last Of The Line (13)
Did nothing in the Lee Steere to warrant any sort of thought.
12: 
Massimo (17)
Ran into the back of a tiring leader at a crucial stage in the Damien Oliver and can make a big argument that he would’ve won with better luck. Got a solid record at the track/trip and if Currie can navigate the barrier will go well again.
13: Mojo Rhythm (6)
Going well. Won the RJ Peters most recently, beating Alsephina and looks ready to peak over 1600m here. She had plenty go her way that day and this is a significant step up, but I can’t justify a $40 gap in the market between her and Alsephina. Can make a case for her at odds.
14: 
Searchin’ Rocks (5)
Won first-up and then raced wide in the Asian Beau and got knackered. Maps to get a better run here but can’t see her winning this.
15: 
Startrade (10)
Has shown ability in the past but not going well enough this prep. Can’t win.
16: 
The Velvet Queen (16)
Trials promised very little leading into the campaign but she caught the eye first-up in the Lee Steere, getting a long way back but put together some of the fastest sectionals of the race. Unfortunately has drawn a poor gate again which makes it difficult but with the right ride and the same performance, she may sneak a place.
BETTING STRATEGY
This looks wide open with many chances. Happy to stick with the class on top with Tuvalu. Has the big weight to carry but will look a winner for a long way. I’ll be having a small throw at the stumps with Karli’s Karma too.
0.5 units e/w on Karli’s Karma
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