Pinnacles carnival springs to life this Saturday with meaningful day for several of racing’s big names

Whether they are on or off the track, getting their hands dirty or dressing to the nines — the next five Saturdays will be the pinnacle of the WA racing calendar for every single person in this picture. The State’s biggest racing carnival, The Pinnacles, launches on Saturday, kick starting the five-week high-stakes spectacle at the renowned Ascot Racecourse. The annual event — which will begin with the Champion Fillies’ Day on Saturday — is the highlight of the year for everyone in the West Australian racing industry, whether it be the jockeys, trainers, owners, stable hands, race callers, socialites or everyday punters. WA’s voice of racing and the man behind the microphone across the carnival is Darren McAullay, the state’s leading broadcaster across the last few decades. McAullay has been the soundtrack to many champions of the sport and knows the historical impact the coming month will have on the giant industry. “The Pinnacles represents a continuation of the rich history of our racing industry,” McAullay said. “It’s another chapter in the great book of Perth racing. “It’s the premium time of the year where excitement levels go up, story-lines enhance, and we embrace the pure enjoyment of the peak of racing.” Dan Morton has prepared a multitude of talented horses throughout his training career, headlined by globetrotting sprinting sensation Scenic Blast, who upstaged the Brits on their home turf in the time-honoured Kings Stand Stakes. That competitive edge has never left Morton, who uses the Pinnacles carnival as a chance to declare himself amongst the best conditioners in the business. “It’s the money-end of the year, with big opportunities,” Morton said. “It’s exciting to have the eastern staters over and I’m competing on the big stage at home. “It’s high pressure, but I love that.” For socialite Annaliese Gann, the major racedays are an event with many eyes on them, allowing her a chance to frock up and show off the finest designs. “I love the fashion, the glamour, the socialisation,” said Gann. “The fashion aspect is the biggest aspect and to be dressed by Hush Styling in Subiaco is a privilege. “It’s an iconic Australian tradition that I’m proud to be part of.” Maria Manfredini is one of the most heavily involved owners in WA racing, with a remarkable 85 horses running around among a glittering stable of stars featuring horses like Ripcord and Wild Belle. But she also loves the festivities whether it be win, lose, or draw, she’s still out to make a day of it and indulge in the atmosphere of the track. “I’m so excited to get dressed up with the girls,” Manfredini said. “But also The Pinnacles is one of the most prestigious racing periods in the racing programme and gives owners something to aim towards, showcasing the merit of all the training done.” Sharni Newman brings a variety of perspectives having recently signed on as an apprentice jockey and is currently completing her trials to ride in races. However, Newman also works tirelessly with the preparation of the formidable equine athletes, allowing them to achieve a career-best performance on their big day. “It’s a big day out. You get the elite horses from the premier stables go at it and it’s rewarding getting to watch all the hard work pay off,” Newman said. At a different stage of his riding career, Steve Parnham is one of the most respected jockeys going and is arguably in the peak of his career having won last year’s Railway Stakes - WA’s most revered race - aboard Bustler. With several interstate jockeys like the world’s number one hoop James McDonald set to soar into WA for the carnival, Parnham is afforded the chance to frank himself in the nation’s leaders. “It’s a showcase of the best of the best,” Parnham said. “For jockeys and trainers, it’s exciting to compete against the best the eastern states offer to bring over. “It’s our grand final series and we’re in the spotlight. “It’s a real adrenaline rush to be able to put on a good show for the rest of the country.” Professional punter Daniel Cripps, who runs a subscription tipping service under Cripps Racing, says this time of year is the perfect time to strike as a form analyst. “There are big fields of good horses, which means competitive races and a competitive betting landscape,” Cripps said. “Everyone has a different opinion and I might only back one or two winners but still finish in front because they’re all generous prices. “This time of year, I’m itching to start doing form and I can’t wait to get stuck into the fields.” This weekend’s Fillies’ Stakes will be followed each consecutive Saturday by the Railway, Winterbottom, Northerly and Gold Rush days, which mark some of the richest race days in the country. London’s Image, who took out the traditional lead-up event in the Burgess Queen Stakes, has elected to seek out the more lucrative target in the $500,000 TABtouch Placid Ark Stakes (1200m) for which Wind And The Lion is the $3.50 favourite. With a wide-open field engaged for the Group 3 $300,000 TABtouch WA Champion Fillies’ Stakes (1600m), several of those beaten in the Burgess Queen will be out to clutch valuable black-type glory. Understandably, placegetters from that last-start feature Flower Of Gold ($3.60) and Ron’s Finalflutter ($3.90) head the market.