Bates confident of a Railway Stakes win in WA debut
The Tabtouch Railway Stakes market suggests Socks Nation will play second fiddle to stable mate Light Infantry Man in Saturday’s edition of the Group 1 feature, but popular rider Declan Bates has other thoughts and ideas.
Declan Bates believes a fifth Group 1 trophy is within his reach and plans on making his first visit to the West a memorable one when he reunites with Socks Nation, one of five interstate raiders looking to buck the trend against the local brigade.
Both horses are trained by Victorian giant, Ciaron Maher, with Light Infantry Man the current $5 favourite, but heavily swaying Bates’ opinion of Socks Nation was her last-start third behind Atishu in the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington.
Bates means business and says Socks Nation is a legitimate threat to win her second Group 1 title after taking out the Queensland Derby (2200m) three starts back in June.
“I’m not making the trip over for nothing, hopefully,” Bates said on Tabradio.
“I’ve ridden her before, probably a while back and she has really improved since then.
“She’s obviously competing in better races now and is coming off the back of a really good run at Flemington.
“I think that Atishu form is really good form for a race like this.
“I’m looking forward to getting over there now.”
Bates said a positive barrier draw will go a long way towards helping Socks Nation win the Railway.
“A nice barrier is certainly the key for her chances” Bates said.
“If we can land reasonably close to the speed, without talking to the team, I would imagine that being a plus.
“If we do that and land in the right spot, she’s going to run a big race, for sure.”
Socks Nation has been allocated 53.5kg in the Railway and Light Infantry Man, with ace jockey, James McDonald aboard, to carry 55.5kg.
Socks Nation is in line to end the stranglehold that the locals hold in the Railway Stakes.
In 2015, Good Project for Chris Waller was the last time an eastern states visitor took out Perth’s historical race.
“With the right run she is going to be there,” Bates said.
Bates also gets an opportunity to claim the Group 2 WA Guineas (1600m) when he combines with London’s Image, handled by former, jockey, Ryan Hill.
The Headwater filly has been a revelation in two starts this campaign, winning the Burgess Queen Stakes (1400m) and running second in last Saturday’s Placid Ark Stakes (1200m).
The Railway Stakes barrier draw will be conducted at Ascot this afternoon (Tuesday) at 4.30pm.
More Racing News
Lockwood's filly Extreme Taste faces draw challenge
Trainer Barry Lockwood initially commented that there wasn't much to say about his filly Extreme Taste "because she hasn't won yet," but upon further discussion, he is considerably more positive about her chances of success at Ipswich on Wednesday.Extreme Taste, a maiden after three starts, is set to compete in...
Sir Les refining his racecraft under Carmody's guidance
Craig Carmody is diligently working with promising three-year-old Sir Les, aiming to harness the gelding's natural talent, a skill he witnessed with the horse's dam, Everage, who also achieved stakes success.Sir Les, by All Too Hard, displayed impressive form winning his first two outings before a narrow fifth-place finish in...
Tennessee Bound to bypass Caulfield for Sandown assignment
While Tennessee Bound would likely be a leading contender for favouritism in the Caulfield race she is entered for, trainer Ciaron Maher is intent on continuing his measured approach with the undefeated mare.Consequently, the four-year-old is expected to make her next start in Wednesday's 1200-metre Evergreen Turf Handicap at Sandown.The...
Bellatrix Star's comeback looms in the Sir John Monash Stakes
Mark Walker is proceeding with caution regarding the return of the classy mare Bellatrix Star, based on his experiences with her over the past two seasons.This Saturday, the mare is expected to make her reappearance in the $200,000 Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes at Caulfield.The 1100-metre weight-for-age race will...
Hard Kick's preparation for major spring sprint begins
The traditional winter period typically isn't a springboard for success in the Coolmore Stud Stakes, but the Lindsay Park training team is pinning its hopes on Hard Kick.The unexposed gelding is poised to commence a campaign that has its sights set on the lucrative $2 million Group 1 sprint for...
Music Time set for Kosciuszko path in spring
Trainer Gratz Vella has confirmed that Music Time will be pointed towards The Kosciuszko during the Sydney spring carnival, foregoing the Group 1 Golden Rose for three-year-olds.Vella highlighted the irresistible appeal of The Kosciuszko for country trainers and indicated that the Golden Slipper placegetter might be better suited to the...
Tim Clark sees great potential in By Choice's return
Despite Tulloch Lodge's usual high benchmarks, their two-year-old season has been somewhat subdued. Nevertheless, their primary stable jockey, Tim Clark, anticipates that the current crop of youngsters will more than make up for lost ground as they transition to three-year-old racing.Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott have seen 14 juvenile winners...
Sheza Alibi's move back to Pakenham imminent
The serious phase of training is fast approaching for Sheza Alibi.The exciting filly is drawing near the end of her northern sojourn in Queensland and will soon be repatriated to the Pakenham stable operated by Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman.The daughter of Saxon Warrior journeyed north following her stunning victory...
Cellarmaster triumphs in a tight finish to claim the Winx Guineas
In a thrilling conclusion, Cellarmaster ($5.50) narrowly pipped Platinum Pantheon ($6.50) at the post, with Rustemo ($8.50) trailing in third, more than a length adrift.Leading bookmakers noted Cellarmaster's winning dividend at $5.50, while the favoured runner Within The Law ($2.60) failed to live up to expectations despite being heavily supported.The...
James Healy celebrates first stakes win with Arabian Rose in Glasshouse Handicap
Sunshine Coast trainer James Healy has secured his maiden stakes victory thanks to the unheralded mare Arabian Rose, who triumphed in the Listed Glasshouse Handicap on her home track at Caloundra.Initially listed as the third emergency when final acceptors were declared, Arabian Rose's place in the field was uncertain, with...