Perth's powerhouse training partnership of Grant and Alana Williams is poised for another historic summer carnival, setting their sights on a remarkable fifth victory in the Group 1 Northerly Stakes over the past decade. Their ambitious campaign received a massive boost last Saturday when their stable stars, Amelia's Jewel and Alsephina, delivered a stunning one-two finish in the Group 1 Railway Stakes at Ascot.
A Dynasty Built on Northerly Stakes Success
The Williams stable has turned the Northerly Stakes, formerly known as the Kingston Town Classic, into their own personal domain. Their incredible run of success in the $1.5 million feature began with Mizlecki's victory in 2014, setting the stage for a period of dominance. The brilliant mare Delicacy secured a famous double, winning the race in both 2015 and 2016, etching her name into WA racing folklore. The most recent triumph came from Truly Great in 2020, cementing the stable's reputation as the one to beat in the state's premier weight-for-age contest.
Now, with their stable in scintillating form, the husband-and-wife team are meticulously preparing for another assault on the December 9 feature. The Railway Stakes result has provided them with two formidable leading contenders, creating an enviable and potent hand for the upcoming showdown.
Railway Stakes Quinella Fuels Ascot Ambitions
The performance of Amelia's Jewel and Alsephina in the Railway Stakes has sent a clear warning to their rivals. Amelia's Jewel, the reigning champion mare, defied a wide barrier and a hefty 57kg impost to storm home and claim her second Group 1 victory in the race. Her courage and class were on full display, proving she remains at the peak of her powers.
Equally impressive was the effort of Alsephina, who carried 54.5kg and finished a gallant second. Her performance demonstrated significant improvement and confirmed she belongs at the highest level. This dominant quinella not only showcased the depth of talent in the Williams barn but also perfectly set up both horses for their next major target. The stable now faces the tantalising, if somewhat challenging, decision of which star to support most strongly in the Northerly Stakes, though both are expected to take their place in the field.
Plotting the Path to a Historic Fifth Crown
The immediate focus for the Williams team is managing their elite fillies through a demanding preparation. Amelia's Jewel is likely to proceed directly to the Northerly Stakes on December 9, using the Railway Stakes victory as her perfect lead-up run. Her proven weight-for-age credentials make her a formidable favourite for the race.
For Alsephina, connections are considering an alternative route. The Group 2 Lee Steere Stakes on November 25 is a potential next start, offering her another opportunity to fine-tune her condition before facing the elite level again. This strategic planning highlights the meticulous approach Grant and Alana Williams apply to their major carnival runners.
If successful, a fifth Northerly Stakes victory would further solidify the Williams partnership as one of the most successful in modern Australian racing history. Their ability to continually produce and develop top-tier talent for Perth's summer highlights is unparalleled. With Amelia's Jewel and Alsephina leading the charge, the entire racing community will be watching to see if this dynamic training duo can once again reign supreme at Ascot.
