May 16, 2015
Champion W.A. galloper Luckygray has won first up off a year between runs, and 539 since his last win in the 2013 Railway Stakes.
Following a trial on the 11th of May, Luckygray for Trevor Andrews appeared back to his best from that performance and was required to dig deep to claim Dawn Approach and the luckless Fuchsia Bandana.
Positioned one-out-one-back by Shaun O’Donnell, Luckygray travelled well in running but appeared to be searching for his trademark turn-of-foot and in difficult conditions, relying on a grinding finish. But desperate riding by O’Donnell saw the triple group three winner, saw him lift, winning in a thrilling go with jockey’s Ikenushi and Ben Kennedy.
Dawn Approach was well supported and was incredibly tough on-speed, never really surrendering the lead until the final stages, whilst Fuchsia Bandana jostled for clear running and was unlucky not to win.
Shining Knight was a long way back in running and struggled to bridge the gap, whilst Zester continued his great form back in fourth.
Luckygray won in 1.12.24 and by a long head, claiming his 14th win at his 30th start.