Railway Stakes 2025 Preview
Railway Stakes 2025 Preview
The Railway Stakes 2025 is set to light up Ascot this November, bringing together an elite line-up of Australia’s top milers for Western Australia’s most prestigious Group 1 mile race.
What is the Railway Stakes?
The Railway Stakes is a Group 1 Thoroughbred sprint race run over 1,600 metres at Ascot Racecourse in Perth. Held annually in late November, it is one of the premier races on the Western Australian racing calendar and a key feature of the Perth Summer Carnival.
When is the Railway Stakes 2025?
The Railway Stakes 2025 will take place on Saturday 22nd November.
Who Won Last Year’s Railway Stakes?
Port Lockroy etched his name in the record books as Railway Stakes winner in 2024. Trained by Annabel and Rob Archibald, Port Lockroy produced a powerful finish, showing both class and tactical versatility to deliver a memorable win for connections.
Railway Stakes Race History
The Railway Stakes is steeped in Western Australian racing tradition, first evolving in 1887. Over the decades, it has become a crucial contest for milers and middle-distance stars, often attracting strong challenges from interstate and even international stables.
Previous Winners
Port Lockroy claimed victory in 2024, for trainers Annabel and Rob Archibald. In 2023, Bustler secured the win. Trix of the Trade took the honours in 2022, guided by T Turner for C H Webster. Western Empire, ridden by local hero William Pike and trained by the mighty G & A Williams, prevailed in 2021, with Inspirational Girl delivering a win for the same jockey and trainers in 2020. Regal Power also featured William Pike and G & A Williams when victorious in 2019. Galaxy Star was the winner in 2018.
Latest Railway Stakes Odds & Tips
The Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m) headlines Perth’s Summer Carnival this Saturday at Ascot, carrying $1.5 million in prizemoney and drawing a deep mix of locals and eastern raiders. Ascot’s tight-turning, on-pace-friendly layout has historically rewarded horses with local experience, and with plenty of speed engaged, the tempo looks genuine enough to bring the strong closers into play late.
Watch Me Rock ($3.70) is the clear favourite and the horse to beat, with Grant & Alana Williams and William Pike combining from a perfect barrier 4. Stablemate Western Empire ($6.50) rates a major danger after a deceptively strong return in the Lee Steere, and from barrier 1 he gets every chance to produce that trademark late surge. Both Williams runners bring class, local knowledge and ideal set-ups to be right in the finish.
Among the other fancied runners are Osipenko ($7.50), who brings eastern-state class but faces a wide alley, and Diamond Scene ($8.50), a sharp first-up winner drawn to stalk the speed. Storyville ($17) and In Good Order ($18) appeal as improving types, while Super Smink ($8.50) must overcome a tricky draw. But for punters chasing value, the Pickabookie.com.au experts’ Value Bet is Iowna Merc ($16). Bjorn Baker has a habit of pulling off a coup in WA, and despite mixed recent form, this gelding is capable of a sharp spike on the day—making him the best value alternative to the favourite.
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