G1 Railway Stakes to suit Light Infantry Man
The powerful Ciaron Maher stable is confident the Saturday week’s Railway Stakes (1600m) is the right race for Light Infantry Man to score his maiden Group 1 win.
The six-year-old scored his first win in seven starts under the care of Ciaron Maher in last Thursday’s Listed Chester Manifold Stakes (1600m) at Flemington.
Prior to the last start win, the gelding was unlucky when seventh to Plenty Of Ammo in the Group 2 Crystal Mile (1600m) at Moonee Valley.
Maher’s assistant trainer of his Cranbourne stable Jack Turnbull said Light Infantry Man’s last start warranted a trip to Perth.
“We’ve been thinking about it for some time,” Turnbull told TABradio.
“It works in pretty well with horses that want fast ground and keep running on into the season.
“He was gifted a beautiful ride, and it worked out.
“His start prior he nearly fell.
“Blake (Shinn) got off and said ‘if he got clear running, he would’ve run into a placing’.
“It was good to see him put two together.”
In a further boost to Light Infantry Man’s prospects, champion jockey James Mcdonald is set to fly to Perth and retain the ride.
TABtouch was quick to react to the news of Light Infantry Man coming for the Railway Stakes, where he’s now an equal $6 favourite.
The son of Fast Company is also a $9 chance for the Group 1 Northerly Stakes (1800m) on December 7.
Light Infantry Man will be joined by stablemate Socks Nation on the flight to Perth, following her last start third to Atishu and Amelia’s Jewel in the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington.
Turnbull said the Queensland Oaks (2200m) winner had shown she was capable of measuring up to races like the Railway Stakes and Northerly Stakes.
“We thought the mile would be at the bottom of her trip,” he said.
“She’s come back a bigger and better mare.
“Given that extra strength, she’s able to round off at a higher level at a lower trip.
“We thought for her pedigree it would be a nice road map into those races.”
Turnbull indicated a jockey for Socks Nation would likely be confirmed in the coming days.
Socks Nation is an $18 chance for the Railway Stakes and a $21 chance for the Northerly Stakes.
More Racing News
Caulfield Guineas: Waller's quartet completes key trackwork
Trainer Chris Waller's team heading towards the Caulfield Guineas has received a significant boost following a beneficial visit to Caulfield.The quartet of Tron Bolt, Diameter, Central Europe, and Somethings Burnin' all participated in gallops at Caulfield on Tuesday morning, honing their preparations for the upcoming Caulfield Guineas (1600m) on Saturday.During...
Ka Ying Rising readies for The Everest despite minor trial setback
Hong Kong's celebrated galloper, Ka Ying Rising, faced a surprising defeat in a 1000m barrier trial at Royal Randwick this morning, finishing behind Ninja, though trainer and jockey remain unconcerned.The world's foremost racehorse, Ka Ying Rising, made a swift departure from the gates, establishing an early lead with Ninja in...
Caulfield Guineas draw favours Call Me Coach
The barrier draw for the 2019 Caulfield Guineas remains a vivid memory for Rod 'Rocket' Douglas.Douglas, serving as racing manager for owner Jonothan Munz, had the responsibility of drawing the Caulfield Guineas barriers for Anthony Freedman's stablemates, Super Seth and Groundswell, before the 2019 running.Super Seth ultimately started from barrier...
Sheza Alibi and Birdman set for Caulfield clash
Leading trainer Chris Waller is fully aware of the significant challenge that lies ahead for his charge, Birdman, as he prepares to face the talented mare Sheza Alibi at Caulfield.The highly anticipated clash between Birdman and Sheza Alibi is set for the Group 1 Might And Power Stakes over 2000m...
Melbourne Cup hopes boosted for Ciaron Maher runners after handicapping
Juja Kibo has taken a significant step towards a Melbourne Cup start, receiving a revised handicap following his impressive victory in The Metropolitan last Saturday.The chief handicapper for Racing Victoria, David Hegan, assigned the Ciaron Maher-trained stayer a 2kg penalty for the $10 million event, acknowledging his dominant 1-3/4-length win...
Crescent King set for Brian Crowley Stakes after Warwick Farm triumph
While Crescent King has not yet been tested in Saturday races, a commanding win at Warwick Farm on Monday could well have earned him a start in Stakes company.The Written Tycoon colt, a three-year-old, now boasts two wins from as many starts this preparation after he reeled in the speedy...
Attrition set for another tilt at the Hill Stakes
Mitch Freedman's primary focus at Flemington last Saturday was on the Group 2 Gilgai Stakes, which he claimed with Skybird, but he was also an interested observer of the Turnbull Stakes.The Ballarat trainer expressed his satisfaction at seeing Cosmic Crusader achieve a dominant 1-3/4-length victory in the 2000-metre Group 1...
Welcometotheshow primed for Toorak Handicap tilt
Trainer Tyler Donaldson-Aitken is preparing to mark a significant career milestone, readying his first Group 1 contender, Welcometotheshow.The race targeted for Welcometotheshow is the highly anticipated Toorak Handicap, a 1600-metre event at Caulfield this Saturday. This comes after the gelding secured his inaugural Stakes race victory at Flemington on September...
Flying For Fun targets Schillaci Stakes after impressive return
Bryce Heys has opted to keep Flying For Fun at shorter distances for now, with the mare's next start set to be in Melbourne for the Schillaci Stakes.The dual stakes winner is expected to be nominated for the 1100m sprint at Caulfield on Saturday. This comes after a promising return...
Close call as Skybird narrowly wins Gilgai Stakes
Depending on when you are reading this, trainer Mitchell Freedman and favourite backers may only just have exhaled as a unique characteristic nearly brought Skybird undone in the Gilgai Stakes at Flemington.Sent out the $2.90 market elect, Skybird looked set for an easy victory as jockey Ben Melham eased the...