Railway Stakes Favourite Primed For Battle
20 November, 2017
Thoroughbred
Lindsey Smith says ‘the gloves are off’ and Scales Of Justice is ready to do battle in the $1 million Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m) at Ascot on Saturday.
Smith, renowned as a tough conditioner of thoroughbreds, concedes he may have been too soft on Scales Of Justice after he copped a leg injury in Melbourne.
The son of Not A Single Doubt pulled up lame after he was galloped on when finishing seventh in the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield.
Scales Of Justice returned to Perth, but fitness doubts surfaced after he was surprisingly beaten as the short-priced favourite in the Lee Steere Stakes (1400m) on November 11.
However; in a major confidence boost Smith says Scales Of Justice is back to his old self and remains confident his star galloper can recapture his best form.
“I was a bit worried about him, but he is fine,” Smith said on Tabradio.
“Sometimes you see leprechauns and I was trying to invent things that were wrong with him.
“I baby sat him after Melbourne because he lost a bit of weight.
“I did look after him and maybe cuddled him for too long.
“But when I worked him up the hill this morning (Monday) and he kept giving.
“All guns are blazing and I’m looking forward to it”
Hong Kong-based jockey, Douglas Whyte, will continue his association with Scales Of Justice after they combined to win last year’s Railway Stakes.
Scales Of Justice remains a firm favourite to repel the eastern states invaders in the Railway. The reigning Perth Horse of the Year heads the market at $5.
The Railway Stakes barrier draw will be conducted at Ascot on Tuesday, November 21.
Julio Santarelli