Railway Stakes Final Field & Barrier Draw

The all-important barrier draw for Saturday’s Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m) at Ascot was announced on Tuesday afternoon.

The final field of 16 plus four emergencies includes two leading chances from the Grant and Alana Williams stable as they aim for their third win in a row.

Perth’s leading jockey William Pike rode Regal Power (2019) and Galaxy Star (2018) to Railway Stakes victories for the stable and returns to riding in the west following a stint in Melbourne.

Pike jumps aboard Inspirational Girl who has won eight of 10 career starts including the Group 3 Asian Beau Stakes (1400m) last start where she defeated Too Close The Sun and Red Can Man.

Too Close The Sun has subsequently scored in last Saturday’s Ascot Gold Cup (1800m) while Red Can Man was runner-up to Kay Cee in the Group 2 Lee Steere Stakes (1400m).

A strong interstate contingent would be expected in the $1 million Railway Stakes, but in 2020, only Kementari and Gailo Chop have made the long trip out west for their respective trainers James Cummings and Matthew Williams.

Kementari finished 1.8 lengths from Kay Cee in his first run in WA, while Gailo Chop comes off a 5th placing behind Arcadia Queen in the Group 1 Caulfield Stakes (2000m) and has subsequently won a barrier trial at Lark Hill.

2020 Railway Stakes Barrier Draw & Final Field