It is a class edition of the Kingston Town Classic 2017 taking place in Perth on Saturday, our insider tips on the weight-for-age Group 1 and updated odds detailed below.
Race favourite Black Heart Bart is too good to leave out in 2017 Kingston Town Classic trifecta tips for WA this weekend. Photo: Jenny Barnes.
Black Heart Bart is a short-priced favourite at Ladbrokes.com.au paying $3 to make it six Group 1 career wins and his first in W.A. with success in the Group 1 $1 million Kingston Town Classic (1800m).
The Darren Weir-trained weight-for-age star began his career in Perth and comes off a close last start second in the Railway Stakes over the Ascot mile when giving all the weight away under the handicap conditions.
The seven-year-old will be fitter for the run and back to weight-for-age from barrier one, which the also Weir-trained Stratum Star won from last summer, Black Heart Bart is the deserving favourite.
There are three other single-figure hopes in Kingston Town Classic betting this season and recent history shows that just two of the winners since 2006 have started at double-figures.
Godolphin’s It’s Somewhat is out to be just the second horse, along with Stratum Star, to win the Kingston Town Classic off a non-Ascot lead-up since 1993 and pays $5.50.
Next best at $6 and firming is local Grant & Alana Williams-trained filly Perfect Jewel who comes off the Group 2 WA Guineas (1600m) win and chases the double recently achieved by Ihtsahymn (2013).
Then the enigma Tom Melbourne is at $8 to finally break through with a win, Chris Waller’s perennial Group 1 placegetter not having saluted in over 630 days.
So will the best in betting salute or is there an upset Kingston Town Classic result pending from the likes of the surprise Railway Stakes winner Great Shot ($18) or WA Guineas runner-up Achernar Star ($10)?
Earlier we published a comprehensive Kingston Town Classic 2017 Form Guide & Betting Preview, our below tips based on the race facts and stats uncovered.
1st
#15 Perfect Jewel ($6)
In the past 30 plus years just the one filly has won the Kingston Town Classic, but tipping this ultra-consistent and progressive daughter of Redoute’s Choice to be the next. Co-trainer Grant Williams did it in 2015 with Perfect Reflection and now returns in 2017 with last start WA Guineas winner. The three-year-olds have a solid record in the race, barrier nine is favourable and with William Pike aboard on 50kg Perfect Jewel looks well placed and a genuine winning chance at WFA.
2nd
#1 Black Heart Bart ($3)
Deserving favourite who just needs to get the clear running from inside one. Not the best barrier for this class five-time Group 1 champion, but jockey Brad Rawiller knows Weir’s star well and the lead-up second in the Railway Stakes was simply outstanding. That was a return from injury and he presents fitter here, better suited at WFA and with plenty of form at the track.
3rd
#3 Great Shot ($18)
Big odds on offer again to the upset Railway Stakes winner Great Shot who gets no favours coming up in weight here. Still, he was good upsetting Black Heart Bart over the mile and hasn’t finished out of the money in his four latest starts. Jockey Craig Staples retains the ride and is confident his galloper can carry the weight and present as a competitive chance looking to frank the Railway Stakes form.
Whether you’re backing or sacking our Kingston Town Classic 2017 betting tips, make sure you’ve got access to the best Perth racing odds this weekend online at Ladbrokes.com.au.
