Weight a burden for Luckygray: trainer

Tuesday 20 November 2012, 2:03pm

A horse on its way to potential stardom or one down in weights present the biggest issues for Luckygray and another Railway Stakes victory, trainer Gino Poletti says.

Luckygray will have to shoulder 58kg topweight from an outside barrier as he tries to go back-to-back in the $1 million race he won in controversial circumstances last year.

"History shows topweights have an appalling record in this race," Poletti told Sydney radio station Sky Sports Radio.

Luckygray held his place at the top of markets at $3.20 for the mile race despite drawing gate 12 on Tuesday.

He will start from stall 10 if there are no scratchings and the two reserves miss a start.

But where Luckygray will start from is of less concern to Poletti than the presence of an in-form runner on the limit weight.

"Last year I came through the back door (with Luckygray) and won a race that qualified him," Poletti said.

"If there is another Luckygray coming through on 53 kilograms you know you can't beat them on the low weights.

"That (scenario) may emerge but I hope it doesn't.

"All he needs is a trouble-free run so that he can show his wares. If the 58 (kilograms) bogs him down ... so be it."

Ranger, who started one of the favourites to beat Luckygray in last year's Railway before finishing sixth, might not be the emerging horse Poletti is worried about but he is considered attractively weighted as he resumes after a spell in Saturday's race.

The six-year-old, who has the minimum 53kg, has trialled three times and holds down the second line of betting at $6.

Gai Waterhouse's Fat Al fared best of the Eastern States runners in the draw.

The Epsom Handicap winner will start from gate four and is a $9 chance.

Victorian gallopers Wall Street and Yosei will have to overcame barriers 16 and 18 respectively.

Wall Street held his place on the fifth line of betting at $10 with Yosei easing from $11 to $14.

– AAP

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