The 50th running of the $1.5 million Northerly Stakes at Ascot Pinnacles carnival is shaping up as a thrilling finale to the Australian racing year, featuring a competitive field of 17. Key contenders include Western Empire, Watch Me Rock, and Hemlock Stone from Team Williams, with Watch Me Rock aiming to complete the rare Railway/Northerly double. Other notable runners are Chris Waller’s Osipenko, the Hayes family’s comeback horse Apulia, and the in-form Michael Grantham-trained duo Diamond Scene and Cosmic Crusader. The race also highlights exciting three-year-olds King Of Light, an undefeated WA Guineas hero with a stellar pedigree, and Pure Excess, a classy filly carrying a light weight.

Top pick for the race is Vivy Air, a tough and talented mare trained by Ciaron Maher, who recently won the $2 million ATC Five Diamonds and boasts a rich pedigree with multiple lines to the legendary Better Boy. King Of Light is next best, with a powerful pedigree and impressive unbeaten record, poised to make a leap at Group 1 level. Depth Of Character, a Queensland Guineas winner stepping up in distance, is a value roughie with strong breeding and good form despite recent tough runs. Admiration Express, a consistent and durable mare with a strong staying pedigree, is considered a potential blowout candidate capable of upsetting the favorites. The race promises a high-quality contest blending proven champions, emerging stars, and well-bred outsiders.