Group 1 Railway Stakes: Expert preview and a value bet at double figures

The Railway Stakes is one of Western Australia’s premier races, and the first of three Group 1 races held in Perth in consecutive weeks in November and December. First run back in 1887, the race is run over 1600 metres with current prizemoney of $1.5 million.

Railway Stakes 2022: Alfie’s preview

Speed The pace is good here. Buster Bash, Marocchino and Lets Galahvant will push forward. Searchin Rocs, Trix of the Trade and Yonkers get nice runs in midfield. Alaskan God and God Has Chosen go back.

Railway Stakes: Runner-by-runner

Prices courtesy of TopSport at time of publication.

7 Alaskan God [$4.20] is a good horse that obviously has a big chance, but I’m happy to risk it at this price.

16 Trix Of The Trade [$5] gets out to the right distance here, but is racing below par this prep and will need to improve to win this.

10 Karlis Karma [$7] is in good form, but up to Group 1 level here, which is a big step.

15 Treasured Star [$10] is horse on the up and not out of this.

9 Ironclad [$11] is a South Australian horse with three wins over 1600 metres and on the quick back-up. Big chance.

19 Devoted [$13] is an emergency who was a touch disappointing last start, albeit getting stuck wide.

You can also listen to WA expert Cameron O’Brien’s podcast preview of the Group 1 Railway Stakes right here… he’s got a nice double-figure chance as his best bet!

2 Yonkers [$14] has a figure over 1500 metres that could win this, and Waller is obviously a Grand Final trainer.

13 Searchin Rocs [$14] is on the quick back-up and will appreciate the extra 100 metres.

11 Last Of The Line [$16] is also on the quick back-up, so will be fit going into this.

1 Resortman [$17] is up to 1600 metres for the first time, but is a chance at odds.

6 Comfort Me [$20] has a placing at Group 1 level behind Western Empire, but will need to improve to win this.

8 Buster Bash [$21] is working through the grades, but the question is whether he can step up to Group 1 level.

Can’t wait to see Karli’s Karma in the Railway Stakes pic.twitter.com/hdP3kTeRGD

— TABtouch (@TAB_touch) November 17, 2022

3 God Has Chosen [$26] had his last start over 1400 metres, and was five lengths off his best from last start over the same distance. If he’s at his best he can win this, but he’ll need to be..

5 Marocchino [$34] is coming off a win but will need to go up a gear again to figure here.

14 Startrade [$34] is a place chance only.

I think the rest have little hope – 17 Winning Partner [$31], 18 Lets Galahvant [$41], 4 Kaptain Kaos [$51], 12 Notorious One [$61], 20 Chili Is Hot [$101].

Betting strategy

Best bet Ironclad (each way)

It’s a tough race! There’s interstate raiders, horses stepping up to Group 1 level for the first time and out-of-form horses that need to improve. Add to that 7 – 8 horses with standout past figures who are off that this prep and it makes it hard. I’d recommend a small each-way play on Ironclad. He’s on the quick back-up and coming out of the Cranbourne Cup.