Railway Stakes 2024 timing perfect for Baker’s Bel

In-form mare Belclare will need to overcome a wide alley to land her first Australian Group One win in the Railway Stakes at Ascot, and connections believe Nash Rawiller is the perfect man for the job.

A two-time victor at the highest level in New Zealand, Belclare joined the Sydney stable of Bjorn Baker earlier this spring and since blinkers were added to her gear two starts ago, the daughter of Per Incanto has thrived.

Leading throughout to win The Invitation (1400m) last month, Belclare showed that was no fluke with another stylish frontrunning display in the Hot Danish Stakes (1400m), both times with Tyler Schiller in the saddle.

However, with Schiller suspended, Rawiller will take over the reins from barrier 14 in Saturday’s Railway Stakes (1600m), a race he captured in 2009 aboard Sniper’s Bullet.

“Tyler has done a great job on her. Unfortunately, he was suspended, otherwise he probably would have been over there, but Nash is a pretty handy replacement,” Baker’s racing manager Luke Hilton said.

“He is very experienced, and he’s got a bit of intimidation factor about him.

“He can be pretty smart when it comes to those outside draws. He knows what to do and can be a bit unique with his approach sometimes, so we’ll give him the reins.”

Hilton said Belclare had taken the trip across the country in her stride and if anything, had improved since her arrival in Perth.

Her two elite wins in New Zealand were both over a mile and the stable expected her to relish extending to that journey again.

“The timing was perfect for her after having those couple of 1400-metre runs here,” Hilton said.

“She had a gallop on Tuesday and she ran the hands off the clock. She has just continued to improve and improve. We’re really happy with her, she hasn’t missed a beat since she has got to Perth.”

Stablemate Overpass has also arrived in safely in Perth as he prepares to defend his Winterbottom Stakes crown on Saturday week.