Perth trainer Simon Miller is hoping for a good gate at tonight’s barrier draw to enhance the chances of lightweight Achernar Star in the Group 1 $1m Kirin Railway Stakes (1600m) at Ascot in Perth on Saturday.
The Darren Weir trained Peaceful State, above, is included in the 2018 Railway Stakes field at Ascot in Perth. Photo by Jenny Barnes.
Achernar Star is one of fifteen gallopers to make up the 2018 Railway Stakes field with the barrier draw for the Group 1 Handicap over the mile being conducting this afternoon.
The four year old drops 6kg on his last start second in the Group 2 $250,000 WAROA Lee Steere Stakes (1400m) at Ascot in Perth on November 10 and Miller said that significant weight drop brings him in with a terrific chance in the Railway Stakes.
“Just hoping we get a gate and that will make our task a little bit easier,” Miller told Sky Racing’s Racing HQ.
“He is in good form, his three runs in this time in have been excellent.”
“He just got beaten in a Group 2 the other day and he drops 6kg going into a Handicap.”
“He hasn’t carried that light a weight for a long time. Last time he carried a light weight he ran third in the Group 1 (Kingston Town Classic) last year.”
“He is working well and his final bit of work this morning on the course proper was brilliant so he has improved again and one thing he has done this time in, he keeps spiralling upward and he continues to do so now so we are happy.”
“He will love it with a postage stamp there and if we can draw a gate that will be great.”
“He has raced really well from awkward gates in the past because he breaks clean, but when you are going up against the big guns, you need to have everything in your favour.”
“Barriers are probably crucial, but he is very very good and he will give this a big shake Saturday.”
“He has had a couple of hard runs and he has bounced out of them really well.”
Shaun McGruddy has been aboard Achernar Star for his three runs this campaign and gets the ride again in the Railway Stakes following his narrow defeat last start when second to Gatting in the Lee Steere Stakes.
The Darren McAuliffe trained Gatting, with Damian Lane in the saddle, is also a final acceptor for the 2018 Railway Stakes.
The Grant and Alana Williams trained Galaxy Star has been installed as the $3.60 favourite at Ladbrokes.com.au for the Railway Stakes while the Darren Weir trained pair of Peaceful State at $5.50 and Iconoclasm at $7.50 are the next two in the betting.
Betting for the 2018 Railway Stakes at Ladbrokes.com.au: $3.60 Galaxy Star, $5.50 Peaceful State, $7.50 Iconoclasm, $11 Action, $12 Prized Icon, Mister Sea Wolf, $13 Man Booker, $15 Gatting, Achernar Star, Material Man, $17 Great Shot, $51 Perfect Jewel, $101 Disposition Star Exhibit, Wrinkly.
