The Group 3 Hosemasters – Asian Beau Stakes (1400m) sets up as an early test for some of the Group 1 Heineken 3 – Railway Stakes hopefuls, including Western Empire and Kissonallforcheeks who are at the top of the market.
Both now four-years-of-age, Western Empire and Kissonallforcheeks impressed as three-year-olds but now need to show their class against the older horses.
Western Empire was the favourite for the Group 3 Northerly Stakes a fortnight ago but ended up being a late withdrawal.
This will be the first-up assignment for the gelding by Iffraaj who has had two trials leading into this and has won five races from his ten career starts.
Kissonallforcheeks is now third-up and has shown her class this preparation with a second placing when she was first-up carrying 59kg and a recent victory in a 78+ 1400.
The form from that 1400m has been franked with Kaptain Kaos winning the Listed Northam Cup and Luke’s Gold putting in another bold performance.
Whoever wins this race, especially if it is Western Empire or Kissonallforcheeks will likely be the outright favourite for the Group 1 Heineken 3 – Railway Stakes which will be held on November 20 at Ascot Racecourse.