Railway Stakes, Eclipse Stakes and the Japan Cup head a fantastic weeks racing

The racing spotlight will be on Western Australia this weekend for the running of the Group 1 Railway Stakes, which is worth $1 million for the first time. Although there is no interstate representation in the field it still brings together a crack field of Perth's best milers. Boom 4yo El Presidente heads the market at around $2.50; he has won 8 from 10 and is stepping up to the mile for the first time, but based on his previous wins that doesn't look an issue. Others with a chance include top 3yo of last season New Spice, consistent galloper Mansion House, and the Derby winner Guyno who has been freshened up for the race.

Racing in Melbourne is at Sandown for the Eclipse Stakes meeting. The Eclipse looks to be a very open race on paper with last start Hong Kong Jockey Plate winner Flash Trick the early favourite at $5.50. The horse does have a tendency to hang in quite badly in his races so is always a risky punting proposition. The main dangers look to be Éclair Passion who ran 2nd to Flash Trick last start, Shinzig who was Group 1 placed in the Emirates Stakes at his last run, and Sentire who is the interesting runner, backing up from success in Wednesdays Ballarat Cup. If the track happens to come up slow or heavy then he would really have to be thrown into calculations.

The most intriguing race on the card looks to be the Merson Cooper Stakes for the babies over 1000m. David Hayes (Munhro) and Lee Freedman (Kalash) hold the key to this race as both have well bred unraced runners. As always with early 2yo races it is best to follow the market and see where the money is going. From the raced brigade Marveen from the Robert Smerdon camp looks to have the best form having run two 2nds at his only two starts behind smart looking youngsters.

On the international scene the Japan Cup will be run in Tokyo on Sunday afternoon. Gun Japanese middle distance horse Meisho Samson is expected to start favourite on the strength of some good recent form. Delta Blues and Pop Rock who finished first and second in the Melbourne Cup last year will also run in the race but are both only considered rough chances.

All the Australian races and the Japan Cup will be covered at Sportsbet Australia.

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