Railway Stakes – 2022

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There is a full field of 16 runners plus 4 emergencies for the $1,500,000 Railway Stakes and 6 of them had their last start in the Group 2 Lee Steere Stakes over 1400m on 5 November, 5 (including 3 emergencies) in the Group 3 R.J. Peters Stakes over 1500m on 12 November and 4 in the Group 3 Asian Beau Stakes over 1400m on 29 October, while the rest came via different races. There are six four-year-olds, five five-year-olds, seven six-year-olds and two seven-year-olds. There are 16 geldings and 4 mares. Trainers Michael Grantham and Daniel Morton have two runners each.

The early favourite is Alaskan God who won the Group 2 W.A.T.C. Derby by over 3 lengths at the end of last campaign, and resumed for 1.2 lengths 6th in the Asian Beau. Second favourite is Trix Of The Trade who came from well back for 0.6 length 3rd in the Asian Beau. Third favourite is Karli’s Karma who was a close 2nd in the Lee Steere Stakes.

Treasured Star was the winner of the Asian Beau but has drawn the outside barrier. Ironclad comes off 4th in the Cranbourne Cup and has 3 wins at this distance. Devoted ran 3rd in the R.J. Peters. Yonkers comes off 5th in the Rosehill Gold Cup, while Searchin’ Roc’s was the winner of the R.J. Peters. The other runners are currently 20 to 1 or longer.

1. Resortman (1)

Won the Listed Idyllic Prince Stakes, the Listed Farnley Stakes then the Listed Eurythmic Stakes before 0.6 length 3rd in the Lee Steere with the best final 400m of the day. Having his first try at 1600m but is so good it wouldn’t surprise to see him in the finish. Has drawn the inside barrier.

2. Yonkers (11)

Chris Waller runner who comes off 5th in the Rosehill Gold Cup. Hasn’t raced at Ascot before but has an OK record at the distance. Prefer others.

3. God Has Chosen (17)

Has 8 wins from 16 starts but has looked plain in both starts this campaign. Has drawn wide and needs to improve on his recent starts.

4. Kaptain Kaos (3)

One of 2 runners for trainer Michael Grantham. Finished near last in both the Asian Beau and Lee Steere. Not here.

5. Marocchino (13)

Won the Listed Northam Cup over this distance last start. Likely to race on the speed and could place.

6. Comfort Me (19)

Runner up in this race last year. The wide barrier will make things tough.

7. Alaskan God (14)

Won the Group 2 W.A.T.C. Derby by over 3 lengths at the end of last campaign, and resumed for 1.2 lengths 6th in the Asian Beau. This four-year-old Playing God gelding has won 5 of his 7 starts and will have no trouble with the distance. Came from the back of the field in the Asian Beau and is one of the main chances.

8. Buster Bash (12)

Has won 4 of his last 5 races with the latest a 0.7 length win in the Luckygray Stakes over 1800m last week. On a seven day back-up and is capable of running a big race.

9. Ironclad (7)

Comes off 4th in the Cranbourne Cup and has 3 wins at this distance. Having his first run at Ascot. Not the worst.

10. Karli’s Karma (9)

Was a close 2nd in the Lee Steere Stakes and is an incredibly consistent mare with 5 wins and seven places from 15 starts. Doesn’t know how to run a bad race and rates highly with Shaun O’Donnell aboard. Respect.

11. Last Of The Line (18)

Drawn wide and has shown little this campaign. Looks safely held.

12. Notorious One (10)

Unplaced in all four runs this preparation. Gets the blinkers back on. Prefer others.

13. Searchin’ Roc’s (2)

Was the winner of the R.J. Peters. Has  7 wins from 14 starts and can figure in the finish.

14. Startrade (4)

Wound up steadily for 0.3 length 2nd in the Asian Beau. Could surprise.

15. Treasured Star (20)

Was the winner of the Asian Beau but has drawn the outside barrier. Has won 4 of her 7 races with 3 of those wins at this track and one over this distance. William Pike rides and she could place.

16. Trix Of The Trade (8)

He came from well back for 0.6 length 3rd in the Asian Beau. Loves this track and has a great strike rate. Should make his presence felt.

17e. Winning Partner (15)

Victorian runner having his first start at Ascot. Prefer others.

18e. Let’s Galahvant (6)

Won three races in a row in September including the Listed Hannans Handicap at Kalgoorlie, before 1.9 lengths 9th in the Group 3 Asian Beau Stakes then runner up in the RJ Peters. On a seven day back-up and capable o placing if he gets a run.

19e. Devoted (16)

Has had 10 starts for 4 wins and 3 places.  He ran 1.6 lengths 7th in the Asian Beau then started favourite and ran 3rd in the RJ Peters where he was wide throughout. On a seven day back-up. Looking elsewhere.

20e. Chili Is Hot (5)

Hasn’t placed in 4 runs this campaign. No.

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

Jo’s Tips
7 Alaskan God
13 Searchin’ Roc’s
1 Resortman
16 Trix Of The Trade

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	16 Trix Of The Trade
2nd	6 Comfort Me	1.71 lengths
3rd	14 Startrade	1.77 lengths
4th	1 Resortman	2.29 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratchings: 17e. Winning Partner, 18e. Let’s Galahvant, 19e. Devoted, 20e. Chili Is Hot.