Racing: Moriarty homes in on 10th group one

Veteran Moriarty is the favourite to win the final group one of 2014 at Ascot in Perth on Saturday after his slashing third in the Railway Stakes. Photo / Thinkstock

Rosehill trainer Chris Waller will once again end the year as the country's leading group one trainer with the chance to make it an even 10 in the Kingston Town Stakes.

Veteran Moriarty is the favourite to win the final group one of 2014 at Ascot in Perth on Saturday after his slashing third in the Railway Stakes.

The 8-year-old, who began his life in England, is a prime example of the Waller philosophy when it comes to extending the careers of older horses.

"If you can keep the horses fit, healthy and happy then you can find races for them and the owners will be rewarded," Waller said.

"Moriarty nearly pulled off the impossible in the Railway with a big weight and goes back to weight-for-age for the Kingston Town and the extra 200m suits.

"He has been a great horse for his owners and has won them more than a million dollars." Moriarty carried 57kg in the Railway (1600m), 1kg less than topweight The Cleaner.

He came from the back of the field on the turn to be beaten less than from the winner Elite Belle and a nose behind Balmont Girl.

Ahead of the barrier draw, Moriarty is at $4.60 with Elite Belle and Balmont Girl at $5.50 and $7.

As well as making sure his horses are placed where they can win, Waller also ensures they are ridden by the best jockeys he can find.

With Nash Rawiller suspended, Waller has attracted another Hong Kong rider, Douglas Whyte, to replace him. The 13-time Hong Kong champion, Whyte lost the title last season to Australian Zac Purton.

Whyte rode the Waller-trained Junoob in the Caulfield Cup in October when the Metropolitan winner finished seventh, 2 lengths from Japanese horse Admire Rakti.