Cover image courtesy of Western Racepix
With five weeks of outstanding carnival racing at Ascot having begun last week, it’s now time to get the Group 1 action underway. The Thoroughbred Report caught up with Perth Racing CEO James Oldring, local star trainer Dan Morton, and interstate trainer Rob Archibald - who is aiming to raid a couple of Group 1 races during the carnival, to talk all things ‘The Pinnacles Carnival’.
The Railway Stakes to get the Group 1 action underway
The Pinnacles Carnival hits its stride this weekend as the $1.5 million G1 Railway Stakes takes centre stage at Ascot, and the excitement is building across Perth. With prestige, prizemoney and bragging rights on the line, the Railway Stakes is widely regarded as the biggest race in the state, drawing local and interstate stars alike.
“It really is exciting, and this weekend is no exception. I personally think that the $1.5 million G1 Railway Stakes is the biggest race we have in Perth. It has the most bragging rights, and it is a race the locals, in particular, want to win,” Oldring said.
James Oldring | Image courtesy of Western Racepix
This year’s race is shaping up to be particularly compelling, with multiple storylines adding intrigue. There is strong talk surrounding the Rob and Annabel Archibald-trained Depth Of Character (Deep Field), and the visitors’ barrier draw created a mix of reactions. “Some of the opposition were quietly relieved, I think, and some connections were openly disappointed, as were a few ante-post punters,” Oldring said.
Adding to the drama, early favourite Cosmic Crusader (NZ) (Maurice {Jpn}) is now the fourth emergency in the field, having needed to win the G3 R J Peters Stakes last weekend to secure a spot.
“Cosmic Crusader needed to win last weekend to get in. Now she’s on the ballot and unlikely to run,” Oldring said.
Cosmic Crusader (NZ) | Image courtesy of Western Racepix
“The drama has added some intrigue, and the irony is that the horse that won (Storyville) was already ballot-exempt from winning the Guineas last year - the only horse in the field with that exemption. You could say that’s a fantastic piece of placement by Grant and Alana Williams. They’ve now blocked one of the favourites from getting in and picked up Group 3 success.”
“The field is great, it’s really great to see the likes of Chris Waller, Bjorn Baker, and Annabel and Rob Neasham with runners in this year’s Railway Stakes.”
Archibald’s on the hunt for back-to-back G1 Railway Stakes glory
The Annabel and Rob Archibald training team have sent over two promising chances to challenge for honours at Ascot during the carnival, with Depth Of Character leading the charge this weekend in the G1 Railway Stakes. Rob and Annabel Archibald won this race last year with Port Lockroy (Better Than Ready).
“They both look nice chances over the next couple of weeks, and we are looking forward to it,” Rob Archibald said.
“We definitely got the visitors’ draw (20), unfortunately, and the feeling is no doubt more negative than positive around that. But with the weight he has got, and looking at the race’s history, a lot have won carrying a lightweight.”
Depth Of Character | Image courtesy of Trackside Photography
“Port Lockroy came through the Golden Eagle last year, as Depth Of Character has, and this gelding is every bit as good as him, so we are hopeful. The draw is tricky, so he will need luck no matter what.”
Asked about Libertad (Russian Revolution) and his preparation for the G1 Winterbottom Stakes after a very good fourth behind Giga Kick (Scissor Kick) in the G1 VRC Champions Sprint, Archibald said:
“I really liked his last start. On the backup, I think he is a horse that can be in the mix. He will do a bit of work on Saturday - he’s already pretty fit.”
On the logistics of travelling horses to Perth, Archibald described the process as straightforward and praised the Perth team for their care and assistance.
Libertad | Image courtesy of Trackside Photography
“The process is actually very easy. The horse leave on the flight from Sydney at about 5pm Sydney time and arrives in Perth roughly midnight their time, accounting for the time difference. From door to door, it’s about nine hours - so not too different from floating from Sydney to Melbourne, and sometimes smoother.
“From our limited experience of travelling them over, the horses do quite well. Having success last year with Port Lockroy has really encouraged us to have another crack. It really is a seamless exercise. The Perth racing team do a great job looking after you, and you can rely on a nice, good track to race on.”
Morton primed for a powerhouse carnival tilt
Local trainer Dan Morton is armed for a huge day at Ascot as unbeaten colt King Of Light (Earthlight {Ire}) spearheads his carnival team in Saturday’s G2 WA Guineas.
The son of Earthlight stamped himself early with two juvenile wins at Pinjarra and Belmont, and has gone to another level this spring. He dominated the Listed Belgravia Stakes in October before a brilliant Listed Fairetha Stakes victory on November 8, confirming his place as the Guineas horse to beat.
King Of Light | Image courtesy of Western Racepix
Regular rider Willie Pike reunites with the colt, and with an ideal draw in gate four, all the ingredients are there for another peak performance.
Morton secured King Of Light for $120,000 from Amelia Park at the 2023 Perth Magic Millions Yearling Sale, and when asked about how he was feeling ahead of the weekend.
“It’s that time of year, our time of year and it’s exciting to have a couple of live chances in the big races coming up,” Morton said.
“It’s that time of year, our time of year and it’s exciting to have a couple of live chances in the big races coming up.” - Dan Morton
On his rising star, he added, “He comes into the Guineas in great shape, but it is another challenge but he is ready.”
“I think there is good depth in the 3-year-olds this season, every year there is a top class 3-year-old that comes out of West Austrlaia, but this looks a vintage batch.”
Dan Morton | Image courtesy of Western Racepix
A forward showing on Saturday could see connections roll the dice on the G1 Northerly Stakes.
Morton also saddles Buthelezi (Smart Missile), a progressive type chasing a hat-trick of wins.
“He is a likely type, he will run a race.”
“He (Buthelezi) is a likely type, he will run a race.” - Dan Morton
Beyond the Guineas, Morton brings serious firepower to the G1 Railway Stakes. Super Smink (Super One) arrives off a commanding G2 Lee Steere Stakes win and has already amassed six stakes victories. Her summer path remains open, with the G1 Winterbottom, G1 Northerly Stakes and G3 Gold Rush all in play.
“She is a ripper, she has a bit of a sticky gate, but she has been there before and will be charging home.”
Super Smink | Image courtesy of Western Racepix
Stablemate In Good Order (American Pharoah) also presses on after his surprise, fast-closing second in the G2 Lee Steere Stakes.
Morton underlined the value of interstate competition during the carnival.
“It is very important, you want the best horses here and to mix it with them. We need them to come over, it adds to the quality of the racing and the carnival.
“It is very important, you want the best horses here and to mix it with them. We need them to come over, it adds to the quality of the racing and the carnival.” - Dan Morton
“There is no doubt our good horses stand up anywhere, it is always good to take the raiders on, but as always good luck, but go the locals.”
With an unbeaten colt in the Guineas and two live Railway players, Morton heads into Saturday armed with one of the most potent teams of his career — and the chance to make a major early carnival statement.
The East vs The West in the Winterbottom
The $1.5 million G1 Winterbottom Stakes has long been a highlight of the Perth carnival, and next weekend promises more of the same. In the past couple of decades, the race has seen outstanding gallopers such as Miss Andretti (Ihtiram {Ire}), Takeover Target (Celtic Swing {GB}), Buffering (Mossman), Hey Doc (Duporth), Viddora (I Am Invincible) and Ortensia (Testa Rossa).
This year, the Bjorn Baker-trained superstar Overpass (Vancouver), the winner of over $12 million is chasing a third Winterbottom win - a feat never achieved in the race’s history.
Overpass | Image courtesy of Western Racepix
“I really do think the Winterbottom may be the race of the carnival,” Oldring said.
“Overpass has such an enviable record and has performed here at the highest level. The word from the locals is that he looks as good as ever.”
“The likes of Libertad and Benedetta add interest, and you can’t forget the local Jokers Grin. He looks a star, and I would love him to win well. He has that Quokka form and he is such a laidback horse - a bit like his jockey (Patrick Carberry) and trainer (Bernie Mills).”
The importance of raiders in strengthening the carnival
The West Australian carnival - referred to as ‘The Pinnacles Carnival’ - relies on interstate raiders, and the Equine All Stars Incentive Scheme, which subsidises travel costs for selected Group race runners from outside Western Australia, underscores that need and desire.
“You can’t understate the importance. We want an Australian carnival, not just a West Australian one. This has to be as big as it can be. On G1 Winterbottom Stakes day, we are the only venue with a Group 1 race that day, so it has to be of a worthy standard.”
“You can’t understate the importance. We want an Australian carnival, not just a West Australian one. This has to be as big as it can be.” - James Oldring
“I think interstate involvement is key. We charter a 737 plane with 24 spaces, and you’d love to see that filled. It’s great to get 10 very good horses over here, but a few more would be ideal.
“We aren’t hiding our disappointment that we were so close to having Giga Kick and Mr Brightside over, but horse welfare comes first, and we get that. Still, we would have loved those household names.
“It’s also great to see horses go on from Perth to achieve big things. Bella Nipotina ran in a Quokka and then went on to win The Everest - that was huge. Asfoora is another example; look at what she has achieved internationally since then.”
The introduction of the Gold Rush and more opportunities
About three years ago, Oldring and the Perth racing team identified the need for another opportunity for sprinters, allowing connections to stay for two races instead of the usual hit-and-run approach.
“Railway horses always had the chance to run in the Northerly Stakes, where sprinters didn’t have that option. Now, with the $1.5 million G3 The Gold Rush, it gives Winterbottom horses a second chance at a big weight-for-age stake. Seeing horses like Jokers Grin head that way - and hopefully some of the raiders stay, is exciting.
“It’s about listening to what trainers want and adding another dimension to the carnival. While it’s not Group 1, having prizemoney of $1.5 million is huge.”
“It’s about listening to what trainers want and adding another dimension to the carnival. While it’s not Group 1, having prizemoney of $1.5 million is huge.” - James Oldring
Crowd expected to be huge on Saturday and beyond
One thing is certain: the crowds have fully embraced The Pinnacles Carnival in recent years, and ticket sales suggest it is only growing.
“The other thing is the crowds. Ticket sales have been fantastic - it’s going to be a big day on Saturday. It’s a huge weekend with The Ashes also on.”
“The other thing is the crowds. Ticket sales have been fantastic - it’s going to be a big day on Saturday. It’s a huge weekend with The Ashes also on.” - James Oldring
“The Hot Dub Time Machine are playing as well; they’re a headline festival DJ group. On advance ticket sales, we’re 100% up on last year. Hospitality is sold out, so attendance figures look great. There’s a real buzz about racing in Perth at the moment - the game is in great shape.”
