Luckygray will have to overcome a top weight of 58 kilograms if he wants to win the Group 1 Railway Stakes at Ascot Racecourse this Saturday.
The five-year-old won the race last year in a protest over He’s Remarkable, in a decision that caused widespread controversy.
Luckygray has won 11 of his 16 race starts and has earned more than $1.27 million in prize money during his horse racing career.
The Bradbury’s Luck gelding won his last start in the Group 2 Lee Steere Stakes carrying the top weight of 59 kilograms, however, trainer Gino Poletti feels that the Railway Stakes is a different kettle of fish.
“History shows top weights have an appalling record in this race,” Poletti said.
Currently the $3.20 favourite to win the Railway Stakes, Luckygray has also drawn wide in barrier 12 for the $1 million race.
Poletti believes that Luckygray will face the biggest threat from up and coming gallopers that are carrying a small weight.
“Last year I came through the back door (with Luckygray) and won a race that qualified him,” Poletti said.
“If there is another Luckygray coming through on 53 kilograms you know you can’t beat them on the low weights.
“That (scenario) may emerge but I hope it doesn’t.
“All he needs is a trouble-free run so that he can show his wares. If the 58 (kilograms) bogs him down … so be it.”
Luckygray has a fantastic record at him home town of Perth winning 11 of his 14 starts there.
The galloper attempted to break into the Melbourne racing scene this spring, however, was unable to break his maiden.
Luckygray placed fourth in the Group 2 PB Lawrence Stakes at Caulfield in August, before running 11th in the Group 2 Memsie Stakes in his next start.
However, after winning his last start by a two length margin at Ascot, Luckygray is in top form going into the Railway Stakes.
