Track: Soft 5 Weather: Fine

There is a field of 12 runners for the $125,000 Carbine Club of W.A. Stakes with 11 geldings and one mare. There is one four-year-old, four five-year-olds, two six-year-olds, four eight-year-olds and one nine-year-old. Three runners had their last start in the Group 3 R.J. Peters Stakes over 1500m at Ascot on 16th November (won by Mojo Rhythm), 2 runners had their last start in the Group 2 Lee Steere Stakes over 1400m at Ascot on 9th November (won by Casino Seventeen) and 2 in the Group 3 Asian Beau Stakes over 1400m at Ascot on 2^nd November (won by Super Smink), while the rest came via different races. Two runners are sired by Universal Ruler and 2 by Xtravagant. Grant & Alana Williams have 2 runners.

The early favourite is Yonga Lass who was a close 2^nd in the R.J. Peters last start. Second favourite is Valour Road who had 2 good runs before 2.7 lengths 10^th in the Lee Steere. Third favourite is Aztec Ruler who finished 0.6 length 4^th in the R.J. Peters after being held up on straightening. All The King’s Men resumed for 3^rd over 1200m at Ascot after a very long spell, while Investmentstrategy ran 0.6 length 5^th in the R.J. Peters. The other runners are currently $16 or longer.

1. Valour Road (2)

The oldest runner in the race this year. He had 2 good runs before 2.7 lengths 10^th in the Group 2 Lee Steere Stakes over 1400m at Ascot on 9th November. This is easier than last start and he should go well.​

2. Marocchino (1)

Resumed for 8th in the Group 3 Prince Of Wales Stakes over 1000m on 2nd November. Needed that run and should improve.

3. Massimo (6)

Latest run was 10th in the Group 3 Asian Beau Stakes over 1400m at Ascot on 2^nd November. Has disappointed at all 3 runs this campaign. Not keen.​

4. Mood Swings (8)

Dropped away to run last of 13 in the Asian Beau. Hard to follow and prefer others.

5. River Rubicon (9)

Never got fully clear and ran last in the Lee Steere. Looking elsewhere.

6. Devoted (12)

One of 2 runners sired by Xtravagant (the other is Pompey). Having his first run since transferring to trainer Luke Fernie from Ben, Will & JD Hayes. Won a recent trial at Belmont. Not the worst.

7. Aztec Ruler (5)

Finished 0.6 length 4^th in the Group 3 R.J. Peters Stakes over 1500m at Ascot on 16th November after being held up on straightening. One of the chances.​

8. All The King’s Men (3)

Resumed for 3^rd over 1200m at Ascot after a very long spell. Has a great record at this track and distance. Has to be included in the chances.​

9. Investmentstrategy (7)

The youngest runner this year. He ran 0.6 length 5^th in the R.J. Peters. In the mix.​

10. Weaponson (11)

Hasn’t won for 84 weeks. Not keen.

11. Yonga Lass (4)

The only mare in the race. She was a close 2^nd in the R.J. Peters last start and goes well at the track. William Pike rides and she is a strong chance.​

12. Pompey (10)

Finished 5th in this race last year and his lead-up form was better then. Rough chance.

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.

Jo Jackson’s Tips
11 Yonga Lass
7 Aztec Ruler
9 Investmentstrategy
1 Valour Road

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	7 Aztec Ruler
2nd	1 Valour Road	0.3 length
3rd	6 Devoted	1.56 lengths
4th	8 All The King’s Men	3.2 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratching: 12. Pompey.