Trainer Tony Gollan will be making his third trip to the Perth Summer Racing Carnival on Saturday and he is hoping that Alma’s Fury can deliver him his maiden Western Australian Group 1 win in the 2014 Railway Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.
Alma’s Fury has the chance to record a maiden win at Group 1 level in the 2014 Railway Stakes at Ascot this weekend. Photo by: Daniel Costello
Gollan sent Spirit Of Boom to Perth for the 2012 edition of the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) and the Sequalo entire finished a credible third behind Barakey, but arguably should have won the race after being blocked for a run at a key moment in the straight.
Spirit Of Boom returned to Perth last year for another tilt at the Winterbottom Stakes and he held a lovely position in the early stages of the race, but was crowded badly at the 600 metre mark and was checked into the rails; with the two-time Group 1 winner lucky to stay on his feet before battling home bravely to finish fourth.
Gollan is hoping that his luck in Perth can turnaround this weekend and he is confident that Alma’s Fury is good enough to claim his maiden win at Group 1 level this weekend.
Alma’s Fury joined the Gollan stable in May after previously being prepared by Paul Murray and he started his 2014 Spring Racing Carnival campaign with credible performances in the Group 3 Bobbie Lewis Quality (1200m) at Flemington on September 13 and the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on September 28.
Gollan elected to target the Railway Stakes with Alma’s Fury after his effort in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes and the Refuse To Bend gelding stamped himself as a genuine contender for the race when he finished fourth in the Listed Weekend Hussler Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on October 11 and second behind subsequent Emirates Stakes winner Hucklebuck in the Group 3 Yellowglen Stakes (1400) at Flemington on November 1.
The Railway Stakes chances of Alma’s Fury received a blow when he drew towards the outside of the field at the Railway Stakes barrier draw on Tuesday, but Gollan told AAP that the quick early tempo that is expected to be set by The Cleaner.
“At least you know there will be pace on,” Gollan said.
“Alma’s Fury also has some early pace and I hope The Cleaner breaks the field up and we can get over with some cover.
“We made the Railway Stakes the target for Alma’s Fury after he was beaten in the Rupert Clarke Stakes early in the spring and this race is his grand final.”
Alma’s Fury is currently available at 2014 Railway Stakes odds of $13, while The Cleaner ($4.80) remains favourite from Respondent ($6) and Elite Belle ($7.50).
