Kay Cee in Top Shape for Railway

Kay Cee will face hot favorite Western Empire in the AUS$1,000,000 Railway Stakes (G1) at Ascot Racecourse in Perth Nov. 20 with her trainer Neville Parnham well aware of the task at hand yet is confident his mare is in peak condition.

Western Empire has won five on the bounce and was far superior to his rivals last time in the Hosemasters—Asian Beau Stakes (G3) last time. The 4-year-old son of Iffraaj  claimed the Schweppes-w.a.t.c. Derby (G2) over this course back in April for trainers Grant and Alana Williams.

"His Asian Beau Stakes victory was awesome and he is going to be very hard to beat," Parnham told The Races WA.

The 5-year-old Kay Cee won the Magic Millions Kingston Town Classic (G1) two years ago and had niggling setbacks after she won the Waroa Lee Steere Stakes (G2) a year ago, but has had no issues around her two runs this term.

"She hasn't put a foot wrong this preparation," Parnham continued. The daughter of Playing God  went back from wide draws in her two runs this prep but she has an opportunity of being closer to the front after drawing barrier six.

"Both races, being drawn out, we had to be a bit too negative with her," Parnham added. "She switches off and then she has to get up and going again. She can afford to be in a competitive position in the Railway from the barrier. At worst she will be midfield and hopefully get on the back of someone."

Kay Cee will be ridden Steven Parnham and is a $31 chance.

Smith Fears Sun's a Run Short

Warrnambool-based trainer Lindsay Smith has been directing the preparation of his Railway Stakes contender Too Close The Sun from afar and fears the 6-year-old is likely a run short for the Ascot test tomorrow. The gelding was runner-up in last year's edition behind Inspirational Girl.

"I'd say he's not going as well this year as then," Smith told Racing.com. "This prep, trainer error, I spoiled him, sent him to the paddock when I maybe shouldn't have, left him maybe a run short, and now I'm chasing my tail."

With interstate stables unable to compete in Western Australia, Smith has remained in Victoria, but Too Close The Sun has been prepared at his original stable just south of Perth and the trainer is already looking ahead to the Kingston Town Classic over 1,800 meters at Ascot Dec. 4.

"I think he's a run behind, but I have increased his workload quite a bit and his coat (has) come good and he's a lot fitter," Smith. "He's drawn a good 'agate' (barrier), he's drawn two, he may lead so he'll be out of harm's way, and he'll be a lot better but I think the 1,800-meter will be a better race for him."

Gangemi Brothers Bid for Breakthrough Group 1

Co-trainers Chris and Michael Gangemi are hoping to nail a first top-flight winner when they saddle five runners in two group 1 races across the next two weekends. 

"We've been around the place, but it's one of those things that has eluded us," Michael Gamgemi told Racing.com. "It would mean everything."

The brothers will look to Massimo and Notorious One in the Railway Stakes Saturday and then Rock Magic, Money Matters, and Long Beach will contest the following weekend's Winterbottom Stakes (G1). Massimo landed the Lee Steere Stakes last time out.

"Our bloke will be out in front bowling along and hopefully he can give a good sight," Gamgemi continued. "He doesn't slow up in front and walk then sprint, he just keeps bowling and if they're good enough to get over him, good luck."

Notorious One ran second to Railway Stakes favorite Western Empire in the Asian Beau last time.

"He was first up for eight weeks, he (jockey Brad Parnham) didn't knock him around, he didn't even pull the stick and he ran the same furlong sectionals (as Western Empire) once he got out," Gamgemi added. "He could be a surprise packet but, because he does so much wrong, he needs a lot to go his way."