Railway Stakes Day has arrived at Ascot on Saturday, with Western Australia taking centre stage. The $1.5 million Group 1 over the mile is the feature event on the card, supported by the Group 2 WA Guineas and a pair of Listed events.
The rail is out five metres for the entire course, with the track currently rated a Soft 5. Sunny conditions on Friday and Saturday ensure a great day of racing – the track is likely to be Good when they race.
Trent Orwin brings us his free preview and Ascot racing tips from Western Australia's metro meeting on Saturday. And don't forget to head to our racing tips page for racing coverage from all around the country this Saturday.
Ascot Racing Tips: Saturday, November 22nd 2025
Race 6: Carbine Club of WA Stakes (1400m) – 3:03pm (6:03pm AEDT)
(2) Aztec Ruler has had three runs this prep, finishing seventh in the Group 3 Asian Beau Stakes (1400m) and fourth in the Group 3 RJ Peters Stakes (1500m). It was a blanket finish with four across the line, as Cosmic Crusader finished third. The six-year-old gelding loves the 1400m with 15 starts producing five victories and four minor placings. Barrier three looks good and Chris Parnham picks up the ride.
(5) Cosmic Crusader has been the bookies’ best friend at his last two starts with the five-year-old gelding finishing third at $1.40 and $1.80. His talent is evident with six wins from 14 career starts, but it does seem hard to step into an odds-on quote once again.
(10) Asphalt has won six on end and now jumps into the deep end for this Listed event. After winning over the mile last start, he drops back to the 1400m, and that distance change won’t bother the horse who has won four from five over it.
(2) Aztec Ruler WIN
$6.00 (1 unit)
Race 8: WA Guineas (1600m) – 4:20pm (7:20pm AEDT)
(4) Rock Fest resumed in the Listed Fairetha Stakes (1400m) when tracking King Of Light into the race and finishing strongly through the line for third, beaten a length. Stretching out to the mile looks ideal for the Daniel and Ben Pearce-trained three-year-old gelding who won his first two races before his recent defeat. Looks a good price for the Guineas.
(1) King Of Light is unbeaten from four starts for trainer Daniel Morton and has Willie Pike in the saddle. Was a brilliant winner of the Fairetha and the mile doesn’t appear to be any concern – draws well again and is a deserved favourite in the race. Just not that keen at the $1.90 quote on offer as there are dangers in the race.
(2) Mardusa was a good run into fourth in the Fairetha and looks a good roughie to have something small on. Has chased home King Of Light twice now, beaten 0.36 lengths in the Listed Belgravia Stakes (1200m) two starts back. The barrier draw is horrendous which does make it a lot tougher, but with a moderate amount of luck, it wouldn’t completely shock to see him bob up.
Also Backing: (2) Mardusa WIN $21 (0.5 units)
(4) Rock Fest WIN
$4.00 (1.5 units)
Race 9: Swan Draught – Railway Stakes (1600m) – 4:58pm (7:58pm AEDT)
(12) Watch Me Rock will be ridden by “The Wizard” William Pike for Grant and Alana Williams. This is a combination that simply knows how to win Railway Stakes with them teaming up to win with Elite Belle, Galaxy Star, Regal Power, Inspirational Girl and Western Empire. He captured the Group 3 Asian Beau Stakes (1400m) last start and looks primed for the Railway. Carries 54kg which is perfect and looks very hard to beat.
(3) Iowna Merc heads over from east for trainer Bjorn Baker and two starts back was a narrow second to Rothfire in the $2 million Sydney Stakes (1200m). Simply put the pen through last time when gapped by Jimmysstar in the $3 million Russell Balding Stakes (1300m). The huge query is the 1600m – he was 15th of 20 in the Doncaster Mile when beaten 5.2 lengths. Looks a good roughie to find out if that Sydney form can prove superior here.
(1) Western Empire is a former winner in 2021 when Pike rode him to win. The $3 million earner was a good first up effort in the Group 2 Lee Steere Stakes (1400m) and he should derive plenty of benefit from that run. Billy Egan picks up the ride with Pike riding Watch Me Rock. The 58kg could prove a bridge too far as most winners of the race tend to carry 53kg, but he is good enough to win.
Also Backing: (3) Iowna Merc WIN $16 (0.5 units)
(12) Watch Me Rock WIN
$3.40 (2 units)
