Gold Rush Day wraps up The Pinnacles at Ascot on Saturday, highlighted by the $1.5 million Gold Rush and backed by a program full of intrigue.
Oaks and Derby heroine Machine Gun Gracie steps out again, while unbeaten Smooth Chino aims to keep his flawless record intact.
With genuine depth from start to finish, the meeting promises a fitting finale to WA’s premier carnival.
Read on for my take on Gold Rush Day.
MISSISSIPPI DAWN (7) had no luck two runs back when held up and finishing 1.38 lengths fifth at this track and trip.
The Michael Grantham-trained mare bounced back last time, returning to the same journey and surging late to score right on the line.
She arrives at peak fitness and still carries a light weight.
Clint Johnston-Porter should be able to place her prominently with limited tempo expected.
Selections: 7-1-5-3
NINETYMILESTRAIGHT (8) drops back in grade after an excellent showing in the Listed Sir Ernest Lee-Steere Classic.
The Trevor Andrews-trained filly rolled along in front over this track and distance and stuck on well, finding only the very talented Hot And High too strong.
Two starts ago she toughed it out from a wide run to break her maiden convincingly over 1300m at Belmont.
She’s nicely treated at the weights and maps to secure an ideal on-speed position.
Selections: 8-2-1-3
WANT A WINNER (2) returns for the first time since a narrow defeat at Belmont in August.
The Sean & Jake Casey-trained entire thrives when fresh and is a perfect three-from-three first-up.
His recent trial was impressive, cruising in front for an effortless win.
William Pike can camp just behind the leaders, giving him every chance to prove hard to run down.
Selections: 2-8-1-9
ASTRO WORLD (3) has been screaming out for more ground and finally gets the mile she’s looking for.
Two runs ago at 1400m she charged home for a close second behind Fast Harry, beaten only a head.
Last start at Pinjarra she settled a long way back over 1500m before hitting the line solidly to finish fourth, 3.1 lengths away.
She now reaches peak fitness and should be finishing strongly for ‘The Hyphenator’.
Selections: 3-1-6-2
SMOOTH CHINO (2) has launched his career in outstanding style and looks to keep his unbeaten streak alive.
The Indianna Weinert-trained gelding claimed his first three outings before heading to the paddock.
He resumed in town for the first time, working early from a wide draw to sit second before lifting late to score by 1.27 lengths.
Last start he again proved superior at this track and distance, carrying a hefty 60.5kg without ever appearing in danger.
This is his sternest assignment so far, but his talent is obvious and he maps to enjoy a perfect run.
Selections: 2-7-1-8
REGAL STATUE (9) appears ready to peak third-up.
The Michael Grantham-trained mare improved sharply second-up over 1200m here, weaving through the pack despite traffic issues to finish 3.65 lengths fourth.
The rise to 1500m looks tailor-made given how strongly she attacked the line.
Clint Johnston-Porter draws well and should be able to have her settling closer.
Selections: 9-11-3-5
TIMELESS GEM (8) had excuses when resuming over 1000m last week, finishing 3.53 lengths fourth.
The Stephen Miller-trained gelding looked set to surge along the inside before his run was shut down by eventual winner Black Ora.
He’ll take improvement from that performance and owns a strong second-up record, including a Bunbury win last campaign.
Brad Parnham should give him the right run from barrier 3.
Selections: 8-12-1-4
STORYVILLE (1) drops back to her own sex after experiencing no luck whatsoever in the Group 1 Railway Stakes.
The Michael Grantham-trained mare was winding up through the field before hitting a wall of traffic and being shuffled out the back, ultimately finishing second last.
Her prior run was outstanding when she stormed home along the rail to claim the Group 3 RJ Peters Stakes.
She’s fully fit and gains the services of William Pike again.
Selections: 1-2-4-10
COSMIC CRUSADER (10) has finally begun to deliver on his early promise and now chases a third consecutive win.
After missing a Railway Stakes berth, the Michael Grantham-trained gelding responded by dominating the Carbine Club Of WA Stakes over this distance, winning by 2.59 lengths.
He then produced a brilliant finish in the Group 1 Northerly Stakes, holding off Watch Me Rock in the shadows of the post.
The return to 1400m is an interesting move, but his class and late strength make him a major threat, particularly against rivals coming through the Winterbottom Stakes.
Selections: 10-9-1-3
RETURN OF THE MACH (10) resumed in the same vein she ended last preparation, scoring stylishly at Bunbury.
The Adam Durrant-trained mare wrapped up her last campaign with a deserved maiden win by 1.9 lengths over 1300m at Northam.
She returned over this distance at Bunbury and unleashed a sharp turn of foot to put the race away by 3.12 lengths.
Her recent form suggests she’s more than capable of measuring up in town, especially with Lucy Fiore aboard.
Selections: 10-3-4-2