Hills Railway Stakes – 2024

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

Following the early scratchings of Aitch Two Oh and California Surreal 18 runners remain for the Harcourts Hills Railway Stakes where the field limit is 16. There are 13 geldings and 5 mares with three 4YOs, nine 5YOs, four 6YOs and two 7YOs. Three of the runners had their last start in the Listed Manihi Classic over 1100m at Morphettville on 11 March (won by Austmarr) and two in a BM74 over 1000m at Morphettville Parks on 16th March (won by Lonrodex), while the rest came via different races. Two runners are sired by Brazen Beau, two by Zoustar, two by Valentia and two by Magnus.

The early favourite is Taunting who won this race last year and resumes from a 16 week spell after good wins at Cranbourne and Ballarat. Second favourite is Celsius Star who has 2 wins and a 3rd in the Manihi Classic from his last 3 runs. Third favourite is Press Down who returns from a let-up and won a recent Oakbank trial. Direct has been racing well in Melbourne. Penthouse has performed well in black-type races in Sydney and Melbourne at her last 3 starts, while Larimer Street dead-heated for 2nd in this race 2 years ago. All other runners are currently $12 or longer.

1. Taunting (7)

Won this race last year after drawing wide and never really being on the track. Resumes from a 16 week spell after good wins at Cranbourne and Ballarat. One of the main chances.

2. Larimer Street (13)

Dead-heated for 2nd in this race 2 years ago. Has had one placing from 4 runs this time in. Place chance.

3. Aitch Two Oh (18)  – scratched

4. Picargo (14)

Hasn’t raced for 5 weeks after running last of 14 in the Listed City Of Marion Stakes over 1200m on 24th February where he weakened right out. Prefer to see.

5. Celsius Star (20)

This Zoustar gelding had 2 consecutive wins at Gawler and Morphettville before 3rd in the Manihi Classic last start. Has drawn the extreme outside but still looks a major chance.

6. Penthouse (5)

She has performed well in black-type races in Sydney and Melbourne at her last 3 starts, including 2nd in the Group 3 Bellmaine Stakes over 1200m at Caulfield. Expecting her to go well.

7. Direct (16)

Resumed from a 37 week spell for 1.9 lengths 5th over 955m at Moonee Valley. Wide draw doesn’t help.

8. Jacks On Ice (3)

He’s been in the trifecta at all 5 runs this preparation and has drawn well. Place chance.

9. Metro Legend (1)

Resumes after 29 weeks and has trialled well. Nicely drawn and could place.

10. Magic Max (4)

Finished 2.2 lengths 4th behind Celsius Star last start. Prefer others.

11. Bubble Over (9)

Resumes after 21 weeks and won first-up last campaign. Could surprise.

12. Starlite Valley (8)

Prefer her over 1200m.

13. Press Down (12)

Returns from a let-up and won a recent Oakbank trial. Chance.

14. Sweetened (19)

Resumed for 9th in the Manihi Classic. Drawn very wide. Prefer others.

15. Lonrodex (17)

Was a 1.3 lengths  winner over 1000m at Morphettville Parks last start. Could surprise.

16. Mouse Almighty (2)

Finished 2.3 lengths behind Lonrodex last start. This looks too hard.

17e. All Beans (6)

Gave nothing else a chance winning by 2.3 lengths at Mount Gambier last start. Chance at big odds.

18e. California Surreal (15)  – scratched

19e. Sparkup (11)

Returns from a 28 week spell and having his first run since changing trainers. Prefer to see.

20e. Old Time Rock (10)

Always runs an honest race. Not the worst.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
5 Celsius Star
13 Press Down
6 Penthouse
1 Taunting

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	5 Celsius Star
2nd	15 Lonrodex	0.5 length
3rd	7 Direct	0.9 length
4th	9 Metro Legend	2 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratchings: 3. Aitch Two Oh, 4. Picargo, 13. Press Down, 18e. California Surreal, 20e. Old Time Rock.