Don’t Dismiss Silverstream In Railway Says Durrant

Posted on November 24, 2017November 24, 2017 | Posted by Julio Santarelli

Adam Durrant insists Silverstream can defy her market rating and wide draw to be a genuine force for the local brigade in the $1 million Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m) at Ascot on Saturday.

With defending champion Scales Of Justice, Perth-owned star Black Heart Bart and perennial placegetter Tom Melbourne fighting for favouritism, Silverstream is at double figure odds.

A fitness query hovers over the Lindsey Smith-trained Scales Of Justice who got galloped on and returned home when unplaced in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield.

The Not A Single Doubt gelding then suffered a shock loss as the hot favourite in the Group 2 Lee Steere Stakes (1400m) at Ascot, finishing a neck third to Silverstream.

Silverstream’s win over Scales Of Justice rounded out her Railway Stakes preparation in style, completing a feature double after taking out the Group 3 Northerly Stakes (1400m) a fortnight earlier.

“She has been well prepared, she is in good nick, in great form and I definitely think she is one of the locals they have to beat,” Durrant said on Tabradio.

“I really can’t see how Scales Of Justice can be favourite and we can be near 20 to 1.

“It seems ridiculous considering she has won her two lead ups and won them not falling over the line.

“The other day (Lee Steere Stakes) if it was another 100 metres she wins by three (lengths).

“She is really building into her preparation and is strong and finishing off her races really well.”

Silverstream, to be ridden by William Pike, appeared to have been dealt a major blow after drawing barrier 20, but Durrant remains unfazed.

“It is what it is and you just have to have faith in your horse,” Durrant said.

“There is not much you can really do, but she has the right man on top.

“To be perfectly honest I’m not totally against a three wide with cover run midfield at Ascot.

“I don’t think it’s a bad spot to be in big races with a bit of pressure.

“The beauty about this horse is she builds into her races and has got the stamina.”

Durrant and Pike are chasing their second win in the Railway Stakes.

Durrant caused a major upset in 2012 when Mr Moet won at healthy odds first up.

Pike was at his devastating best on Elite Belle (2014) when he forged am almost impossible run from the rear of the field.

Scales Of Justice, Black Heart Bart and Tom Melbourne share $6 favouritism.

Silverstream is at $15.