Avienus

Classy Melbourne mare Avienus is back on track for the Group 1 $1m Railway Stakes(1600m) after a light hit-out at Ascot.

Trainer Mark Webb kept a close eye on Avienus in her first look at the track.

The six year old mare was struck down by travel sickness when arriving in Perth on late Tuesday but there are better signs going into Saturday’s feature.

Webb said Avienus only needed one strong hit-out on Tuesday at the Breakfast with the Stars ahead of the Railway.

Last start Avienus charged into fourth behind Vintedge in the Matriarch Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on November 5.

“She looks really good and I’m quite happy with her,” Webb said.

“It was just a light jog and we’ll see how she comes through it.”

Avienus is a $10 chance with Tabsportsbet with local galloper Ranger the $3.20 favourite.

Ranger has been strongly supported and has firmed from $4.50.

Ringmeister, a $41 long shot, was scratched from yesterday’s R J Peters Stakes (1500m) with trainer Lindsey Smith taking a chance on heading straight to the Railway.

“We’re taking a throw at the stumps to see if he can get in as he doesn’t back-up,” Smith said.

“If he doesn’t get in, we’ll push on to the Perth Cup.”

While Grand Nirvana is still in Railway betting trainer Fred Kersley will run the gelding in the Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) on the same day.

And Waratahs Secret, an $8 in the Winterbottom, is expected to miss that race and run in the Railway where he is presently a $21 chance.

Scenic Blast is still in Winterbottom betting but has been sent for a spell.