Hayes hopeful about Perth chances

Twenty years ago, David Hayes rode Better Loosen Up to victory in the 1600m Railway Stakes.

The race, based in Perth, takes place again this Saturday and Hayes has said he is feeling optimistic about the potential of All American, a horse that has already met with some success.

However, he is of course mindful of the fact that the Railway Stakes is a tough and challenging race.

Quoted by The Age, Hayes said of All American: ''He's settled in really well and looks to have gone on from his Emirates win and that is the path that Better Loosen Up took."

Better Loosen Up was a major success story for Hayes, and the horse went on to enjoy a sustained run for the next year-and-a-half in international racing.

All American faces much high-level competition in the Railway Stakes, but is current third favourite at Centrebet at 5.50.

There are 14 other horses in the field, not including fellow Hayes racer, Largo Lad, at 21.00 with Centrebet.

Largo Lad has four runs in total in Perth, ending with the Perth Cup on January 1st.