Overpass aims to reclaim his title in the prestigious Winterbottom Stakes, leveraging his exceptional Ascot record and seasoned experience, while overcoming the challenge of a wide draw and fierce competition this Saturday.
Overpass has established himself as a significant contender on the Perth racing scene, where his strategic 'hit-and-run' campaigns have led to remarkable achievements, including historic wins in the first two editions of The Quokka (1200m) and last year's victory in the esteemed Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m). Now, the six-year-old gelding is set to defend his Winterbottom title this Saturday, a challenge that is all too familiar for a horse with a record at Ascot that is hard to overlook.
Having earned over $5 million—more than half of which was secured during his three visits to Perth—Overpass has established himself as a skilled competitor in the West Australian racing scene. Although he faced a setback with an eighth-place finish in the Group 1 Champions Sprint (1200m) at Flemington last time out, trainer Bjorn Baker's team remains optimistic that their runner is in a strong position to get back to winning form.
Luke Hilton, the racing manager, acknowledges that the outcome of the Champions Sprint fell short of their expectations, especially after Overpass's impressive initial performance. 'We were confident he was better after his first run, and we believed he had made progress heading into the Champions Sprint, yet he struggles on straight tracks compared to his performance around bends,' Hilton stated. Overpass has indeed shown a clear preference for tracks with more traditional configurations, which may prove beneficial as he returns to the bends at Ascot.
Overpass showcased his true potential with a strong performance in the Group 3 Sydney Stakes (1200m) at Randwick earlier this season. He secured a 1½-length win, achieving a time that closely matched that of Bella Nipotina in The Everest (1200m), signaling his determination. 'He performed brilliantly that day,' said Hilton, reflecting on the gelding’s impressive run. “He excels on a bend, and we believe he will be better adapted to this type of racecourse.'
The team remains hopeful that the dynamics of the field at Ascot will benefit Overpass, especially when contrasted with how the race transpired at Flemington. Hilton noted, “If you examine the race at Flemington, Sunshine In Paris finished just two lengths behind him. In a race with bends, she would have trailed by five or six lengths.” This slight yet significant difference in race dynamics could prove to be pivotal in what promises to be another thrilling Winterbottom contest.
Once again, Overpass will team up with jockey Josh Parr, who has ridden him to victory in each of his past races in Perth. The partnership has developed a strong connection, and Parr’s deep understanding of the horse’s abilities and idiosyncrasies will undoubtedly prove beneficial for this upcoming race. However, they will have to contend with a major obstacle: barrier 16, which is an unfavorable position and has drawn attention as the widest starting spot in the field. Historically, starting from double-digit barriers has not been a significant barrier in the Winterbottom, as the last six winners have come from outside the inner part of the barriers. Nevertheless, Overpass will need to showcase his capability to navigate challenging draws in this year's competition.
Despite facing a challenging draw, Hilton remains steadfast in his belief in his horse's prospects. 'He has a strong affinity for Perth; he's had so much success here. I'm confident he will make a strong recovery. In fact, I think he is in even better form now than he was at this point last year.'
Overpass has consistently demonstrated that he excels on the prominent racing stage in Perth. With a solid track record backing him, there is ample reason to trust that he can rise to the challenge once again. The Winterbottom Stakes continues to be a standout event in the Australian racing schedule, and Overpass's endeavor to reclaim his title is set to contribute yet another exciting chapter to his remarkable career.
Although the wide barrier poses a challenge, the gelding's lineage, performance, and extensive experience with Ascot's unique characteristics pave the way for what promises to be an exciting race. As the Winterbottom Stakes draws near, Overpass will again be backed by a team that understands precisely how to bring out his best. With a competitive field ahead, this experienced sprinter will require all of his skill, knowledge, and determination to meet the challenge and enhance his impressive record in Perth.
