Luckygray defended his Railway Stakes title at Ascot after winning the Group 1 feature on protest 12 months ago. Luckygray was eased from the barrier (12) and settled in twelfth place, one off the rails, in the 15-horse field. He was giving the leader about ten lengths at the 600m, he angled between runners rounding the home turn, saving ground, and switched wide on straightening. He then produced his renowned late-finishing burst to score impressively by half a length at the post. The second-placed Platinum Rocker went forward from his wide draw (14) and crossed to the lead at the 1000m. After slowing the pace he went back to second before coming outside the leader (Fire Up Fifi) nearing the home turn. They then had a great battle in the straight, before being caught in the closing stages by the late-closing winner. Fire Up Fifi was midfield and wide in the early stages. Damian Browne made quick decision to go forward as the pace slowed at the 1000m and the dashed to the lead at the 800m. She then battled gamely in the straight for a very good third, beaten only half length. Kerrific was handily placed about sixth, wide with cover. He moved up (deep) at the turn and battled on well in the straight for a sound fourth, Playing God (fifth) tracked him most of the race and held on nicely in the straight. Longport ($5) was a handy third most of the way to the turn before finishing (four lengths) tenth, Plucky Belle ($6.50) was near last, three wide with cover, and finished only fairly for (four and half lengths) 12th while the favourite Smokin’ Joey ($4) was always well back and raced well below his recent good form to finish last, beaten eight lengths. *ANZ