Ascot Racecourse came alive over the weekend with standout performances that sparked excitement across the WA racing landscape. With the WA Oaks meeting as the highlight, fans were treated to rising stars, major milestones, and a buzzworthy lead-up to the upcoming WA Derby. From dominant wins to milestone moments, here’s a complete recap of a thrilling day on the track.
WIN OF THE DAY
Perth has officially crowned a new turf queen.
Machine Gun Gracie delivered a crushing victory in the WA Oaks, stamping herself as one of the most exciting fillies in the country. Mirroring her effortless win in the Natasha Stakes (2200m), she dictated terms early, handed up the lead to Funchal mid-race, then surged back to the front on the turn and powered home to win by 3¼ lengths. Unbeaten by her own sex this prep, she now turns her attention to the boys in the WA Derby (2400m), where she’ll be the short-priced favourite—and likely only bad luck can stop her.
JOCKEY
Shaun O’Donnell and Machine Gun Gracie are proving to be a winning combination.
Luke Campbell hit a significant milestone, closing out his apprenticeship with a win aboard Nobelity. After taking the mare to the front, she controlled the race throughout and never looked like losing—rewarding punters who were sharp enough to jump on.
Meanwhile, William Pike was at his brilliant best once again. He booted home Snitzalatte among the juveniles, secured another Old Comrade Stakes victory with Watch Me Rock, and opened the day in style aboard the talented West Star.
TRAINER
Justine Erkelens is making WA Oaks success a habit. A year on from her win with Own The Queen, she returned to take the classic again—this time with the exciting Maschino filly, Machine Gun Gracie.
Adam Durrant’s filly Snitzalatte couldn’t have started her career better. Now two from two, she heads into the Karrakatta Plate (1200m) full of momentum following another dominant display.
Grant and Alana Williams nearly had a dead-heat in the Listed Old Comrade Stakes, with Watch Me Rock just nosing out stablemate Fluro Neuro by half a head in a tight finish.
It was smooth sailing for punters backing Sail Session at $1.40 in the Listed Melvista Stakes (2200m). Despite being pushed along by Lucy Fiore, he had just enough in reserve to hold off Maxwhooshtapin. The win marked trainer Dan Morton’s third Melvista in four years after successes with Another Chino (2023) and Alaskan God (2022).
Trainer Renee Forrest continues to impress in her post-riding career, collecting her first Saturday success thanks to the ever-reliable Nobelity.
HORSES TO FOLLOW
West Star looks like a name to remember. His classy return has trainer Simon Miller eyeing bigger targets, and with the $5 million Quokka around the corner, slot holders should be paying attention to this son of Playing God.
Statewide, trained by Neville Parnham, was strong late to grab third behind Snitzalatte and will be one to watch moving forward.
Maxwhooshtapin continues to improve and trainer Misty Bazeley believes he’s built for longer. He closed strongly behind Sail Session in the Melvista and will step up again in the WA Derby.
BEATEN FAVOURITES
It wasn’t the day for a few punters’ picks—Our Rocky Bay, Objectify, and Stylish Lord all failed to deliver.
WHAT HAPPENED?
A veterinary inspection post-race revealed Play Fair returned lame in the off foreleg.
