WA’s time to shine in group 1 Glory with the 1600m Handicap run this Saturday. Has copped a bit of criticism over the quality of the field but in my opinion the WA form is always underrated and it will take a very good horse to win it. Were races like the Toorak any stronger? NSW continued attack on other state’s carnivals doesn’t help with a $1 million dollar mile run at Kembla Grange on Saturday but that field is inferior anyway. Remember it’s a handicap so the real big guns are never coming and this years topweight Gatting won one of Melbourne’s “superior” group 1’s in the spring regardless. Enough of the parochialism , let’s get to the important part, finding the winner!

My railway system has always been the up and comers at the bottom of the weights. Works consistently in any handicap at the highest level. Speed map is important and so is the barrier draw however 3 wide with cover has traditionally been a good spot in the Railway providing they don’t crawl in front . Speed looks genuine this year with Cockney Crew looking to charge over from his wide barrier and his usual racing pattern is to try and run them into the ground.

  1. GATTING (5) 58KGS ; Ran 2nd in the race last year behind a very smart mare and won a group 1 mile in Melbourne this Spring at WFA. Obviously has the class and is going very well , the weight is the question.

  2. BEST OF DAYS (11) 57KGS ; Has ran well in good races over the spring but hasn’t won a race for over a year .

  3. STAR EXHIBIT (4) 56.5KGS ; Dual Perth Cup winning veteran who showed he still has a zest for racing with brilliant win over 1400m first up. 2nd up stats not as impressive but still solid and can’t rule out anything in these colours.

  4. ACHERNAR STAR (16) 55.5KGS ; Very rarely far away but Olly has his work cut out from horror gate.

  5. REYKJAVIK (12) 53KGS ; Has been ultra consistent since going to Melbourne with gun WA trainer Smith who himself is on fire. Has been doing it in the 2nd grade races which means he arrives back home on the minimum weight. Massive chance.

  6. THE VELVET KING (6) 53KGS ; Definitely fits the profile of light weight up and comer. I’m of the opinion 1600m is his limit in this grade but should get every chance from barrier.

  7. TELLEM WERE COMIN (9) 53KGS ; Arrives here on the minimum in blistering form and 4/4 at 1600m. The one to beat.

  8. VARIATION (8) 53KGS ; Talented gelding who has had his share of issues , not living up to the early hype. Showed he may be back on track with a solid placing in Melbourne. Would need to be at his absolute best but not hopeless.

  9. MIZLECKI (2) 53KGS ; Hasn’t had much luck this prep and if she gets some from low draw she could suprise at odds. Prefer place but she is good value.

  10. PERFECT JEWEL (7) 53KGS; Hasn’t done much this prep but ran 4th last year off similar prep runs.

  11. SCR

  12. REGAL POWER (15) 53KGS ; Derby winner who’s trials were good before first up 2nd in key lead up. His brother Action also won a Derby then needed the 2400m of Perth Cup (2nd) to recapture his best. Durrant / Peters / Pike combo means it will be kept very safe.

  13. SAMIZDAT (3) 53KGS ; Richly talented gelding who has been building towards a peak performance nicely. Too strong late last start and looks very dangerous. First attempt at the mile and will need luck getting through.

  14. COCKNEY CREW (14) 53KGS ; Loves to find the front and roll along . Is very adapt at doing it also however might need some leader bias assistance in this class. I always include these types in the back end of novelties.

  15. PLATOON (13) 53KGS ; 4YO who possesses a good turn of foot when the race is run to suit. This is a stiff test but not hopeless.

  16. TAMASA (1) 53KGS ; Class likely to test but it likely gets a soft run just behind the speed so could sneak into the placings.

    SELECTIONS 7 TELLEM WERE COMIN , 5 REYKJAVIK , 13 SAMIZDAT , 9 MIZLECKI

    Betting Strategy 7 TELLEM WERE COMIN WIN & 5 REYKJAVIK 20/80 EACH WAY

    NOVELTIES

    1ST ; 5 7

    2ND ; 5 7 9 13

    3RD ; 1 3 5 6 7 9 13 14

    4TH 1 2 3 5 6 7 9 12 13 14 15.

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