Horse Racing Tips for the Northerly Stakes 2025

The Perth Summer Racing Carnival has started with a bang.

First it was emerging star Watch Me Rock storming home to claim the Railway, and then Libertad delivered another Group 1 for Annabel & Rob Neasham in last week’s Winterbottom.

Now attention turns to the Northerly Stakes, where an unbeaten local three-year-old will attempt to stamp himself as the next West Australian superstar.

Undefeated colt King Of Light dominates early markets at $2.25 as he rises to 1800m for the first time and tackles some hardened older opposition.

With only 52kg and William Pike aboard, it’s no surprise punters have moved his price dramatically, but it is certainly shorter than his true winning chance.

There is no denying his talent, but this is another level entirely, and I’m siding with a mare who has finally learned how to turn consistency into killer instinct.

You can access his full set of racing tips for this Saturday via the link below.

 

 

Cody Lane’s Northerly Stakes Preview 2025

Track Conditions

Ascot is currently rated a Soft 5, but with warm weather in the lead-up, expect it to be a Good 3 by race time.

The rail returns to the True position after being out 8m last week and 5m the week before.

History at this set-up suggests a fair surface, with a slight advantage to horses on or near the pace on a firm deck.

 

Speed Map & Race Shape

Despite several backmarkers in the Railway, the shape flips here.

• Sentimental Hero (4) and Ginger Baker (10) should roll forward and take up the lead.

• Cosmic Crusader (9) lands just behind them.

• Watch Me Rock (16) pushes forward but will need luck getting across from the wide alley.

• King Of Light (8) gets the softest run of the top hopes, settling a few pairs back.

• Western Empire (6) will also be midfield but well-placed from a kinder draw.

• Eastern visitors Vivy Air (12) and Apulia (14) settle just worse than midfield but won’t want the leaders getting too far away.

There’s not much tempo here.

That strongly disadvantages backmarkers and makes it very difficult to launch from the rear.

 

Selections & Analysis

1st – #13 Vivy Air – $8.00

Backing Vivy Air hasn’t always been an enjoyable ride, but she has genuinely turned the corner.

Formerly a mare who threatened without finishing off, she has now put together a campaign that includes:

• Two wins this prep,

• Defeated only by absolute peak horses — Headley Grange and Gringotts,

• A brilliant Five Diamonds victory at this distance, beating Group 1 Toorak winner Transatlantic.

 

 

She isn’t badly treated at the weights, gets 57kg, and Ethan Brown travels across for the ride.

With a midfield settling position and a genuine ability to sustain a long run, she looks the one best suited to today’s set-up.

A deserved top pick.

 

2nd – #6 Western Empire – $8.50

He’s being kept safe in the market, and with good reason.

Western Empire:

• Carries weight better than almost anyone in this field,

• Only rises 1kg off his Railway run,

• Maps much better than many rivals,

• And appreciates rising to 1800m.

If he’s given an inch near the turn, he’ll take a mile. A very live winning chance.

 

3rd – #15 King Of Light – $2.30

There are reasons he’s favourite:

• A featherweight 52kg,

• William Pike in the saddle,

• An unbeaten record,

• A perfect map.

But there are also risks:

• First attempt at 1800m,

• Facing seasoned Group 1 horses for the first time,

• Needs to improve again to win this level of race.

He’s a massive talent, but his quote is far too short. Respect him, but don’t take the under.

 

 

4th – #6 Diamond Scene – $23.00

Was enormous late in the Railway with the tempo completely against him.

Up in weight like many others, but up in distance is key. This is a serious horse in the making and he will be powering home late.

A must-follow horse when he gets to 2000m and beyond.

 

For thousands more tips including free selections for today's racing, head to Australia's best racing tips market at thegreattipoff.com.