3 minute read
Luckygray has wasted little time to reappoint himself the star of the West with a history making victory in the Group 1 Railway Stakes and as a result is the weekend's best bet at Ascot.
Successful in rewriting the history books, Luckygray became the first topweight this century to salute in the feature event usurping the previous weight carrying record holder, Sniper's Bullet, who carried 56.5kg in 2009.
Having proven successful in this very race last year, Luckygray will be aiming to become just the third horse in the race's history to collect back to back victories in the feature event.
Since its inception only Summer Beau (1996 & 1997) and more recently Playing God (2010 & 2011) have achieved this feat.
Although subsequently failing to reach the heights many felt he would during his brief campaign in Melbourne, if you look solely at Luckygray's form when raced in Western Australia his record is somewhat outstanding.
In 18 starts he has saluted the judge on 13 occasions with two minor placings and more notably his record in Group 1 company is four starts for three wins and one second placing.
Switch stables to join the Trevor Andrews stable upon his return, the son of Bradbury's Luck quickly appeared to be back on track with a fair performance when finishing fourth in the Group 3 Waroa-Lee Stakes [1400m].
Aided by a masterful ride by Shaun O'Donnell, Luckygray proceeded to show stark improvement at his next start and was successful in returning to his career best form when taking out his second Railway Stakes [1600m].
Running to a near peak rating of 121 just one pound shy of his previous best, Luckygray appears very well placed following that performance as he will not only meet a majority of the field better at the weights but a repeat of his last start effort would simply see him win.
Rated to be three pounds clear of his nearest rival he is arguably better placed this year, yet you are shopping around at a better price given he started and won this race last year at 5-4.
He is the clear stand-out horse racing in West Australia at this point in time and although we respect both Mr Moet and Ihtsahymn we can't see them beating Luckygray at WFA.
The Colin Webster trained Moonsearch was a real eye-catcher in the WA Guineas last start and appears well placed to break back into the winner's stall on Saturday.
Untapped beyond a mile he has shown good improvement at each start this time in and appears set to produce his best stepping up to 1800m.
While progressive we struggle to get Newton Prince as short as he is in the market and hence see great value in Moonsearch given he is favourite in our market.
He shouldn't settle too far off the leaders in this small field and we expect him to hit the line very strongly and prove too good for his rivals.
The Simon Miller trained Power Princess wasn't disgraced behind Buffering last start in the Winterbottom Stakes [1200m] however she has to be some query stepping up to 1400m on Saturday.
In six attempts at seven furlongs she has only saluted the judge once and has been well below her best in two starts back this time in.
We have Conservatorium, Watermans Bay and Kerrific all rated around the similar mark and more inclined to lean that way at this stage at their respective quotes.
BEST FROM THE WEST:
BANKER: Race 8 #1 Luckygray @ $2.50
PLAY OF THE DAY: Race 3 #1 Moonsearch @ $5.00
LAY OF THE DAY: Race 5 #9 Power Princess @ $3.50
