The Tabtouch Railway Stakes market suggests Socks Nation will play second fiddle to stable mate Light Infantry Man in Saturday’s edition of the Group 1 feature, but popular rider Declan Bates has other thoughts and ideas.
Declan Bates believes a fifth Group 1 trophy is within his reach and plans on making his first visit to the West a memorable one when he reunites with Socks Nation, one of five interstate raiders looking to buck the trend against the local brigade.
Both horses are trained by Victorian giant, Ciaron Maher, with Light Infantry Man the current $5 favourite, but heavily swaying Bates’ opinion of Socks Nation was her last-start third behind Atishu in the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington.
Bates means business and says Socks Nation is a legitimate threat to win her second Group 1 title after taking out the Queensland Derby (2200m) three starts back in June.
“I’m not making the trip over for nothing, hopefully,” Bates said on Tabradio.
“I’ve ridden her before, probably a while back and she has really improved since then.
“She’s obviously competing in better races now and is coming off the back of a really good run at Flemington.
“I think that Atishu form is really good form for a race like this.
“I’m looking forward to getting over there now.”
Bates said a positive barrier draw will go a long way towards helping Socks Nation win the Railway.
“A nice barrier is certainly the key for her chances” Bates said.
“If we can land reasonably close to the speed, without talking to the team, I would imagine that being a plus.
“If we do that and land in the right spot, she’s going to run a big race, for sure.”
Socks Nation has been allocated 53.5kg in the Railway and Light Infantry Man, with ace jockey, James McDonald aboard, to carry 55.5kg.
Socks Nation is in line to end the stranglehold that the locals hold in the Railway Stakes.
In 2015, Good Project for Chris Waller was the last time an eastern states visitor took out Perth’s historical race.
“With the right run she is going to be there,” Bates said.
Bates also gets an opportunity to claim the Group 2 WA Guineas (1600m) when he combines with London’s Image, handled by former, jockey, Ryan Hill.
The Headwater filly has been a revelation in two starts this campaign, winning the Burgess Queen Stakes (1400m) and running second in last Saturday’s Placid Ark Stakes (1200m).
The Railway Stakes barrier draw will be conducted at Ascot this afternoon (Tuesday) at 4.30pm.
