Build-up begins for Perth racing highlights

Gold Salute is the expected favourite for the Railway Stakes next Saturday as punters gear up for the Festival of Perth Racing.

The Mark Riley-trained Gelding is out in front in the early betting for the group 1 race, having come second in the Toorak and ending up third in the Emirates Stakes.

Fellow eastern horse Ortensia is expected to be second favourite while Vigor is also thought to be well in with a shout.

However, Ortensia is not guaranteed to appear in the Railway Stakes and instead could be directed to Winterbottom Stakes the Saturday after.

After the Railway Stakes comes the Kingston Town Classic on December 5, with Mackinnon Stakes winner Scenic Shot expected to be among the leading contenders for the 1800m event.

Also appearing here should be former race winner Megatic, while local galloper Grand Nirvana could be well backed.

Finally the Winterbottom Stakes is likely to be dominated by cult favourite Apache Cat, although the horse is by no means certain to appear.

Ortensia could again appear here and another local, Hay List, may also prove popular.