Winterbottom Stakes – 2021

Track: Good Weather: Fine

There is a full field of sixteen acceptors plus two emergencies for the Group 1 $1,000,000 Winterbottom Stakes.  Trainer Daniel Morton has a very strong hand here with the two favourites in the betting.  Chris & Michael Gangemi also have two runners.  The key lead up is the Colonel Reeves Stakes with twelve of them meeting in that race at their last start!  The winner was Elite Street and he is back to defend his title after taking out this race last year.  His stable mate Wilchino is the current second favourite.  She has won her last six and draws the inside alley for jockey Chris Parnham.

Graceful Girl charged home to finish second in the Colonel Reeves and has Perth’s best rider William Pike in the saddle for this.  Red Can Man was sixth in this race last year.  Indian Pacific was second in the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap over this distance in March, while Stageman didn’t have the best of luck in the Colonel Reeves.  The remaining runners are longer than $20-1.

1. Rock Magic

Has finished less than two lengths off Elite Street at his two runs back from the spelling paddock and maps to get a good run.  Wouldn’t shock.

2. Elite Street

Classy galloper.  Has returned in super order winning three in a row at listed and Group 3 level.  Is well drawn again in barrier ten to settle back and sweep home down the centre of the track.  Rates highly.

3. Red Can Man

Has returned from a stint in Victoria under David Brideoake where he was successful winning the Sir John Monash Stakes at Caulfield in July.  Solid fourth first up behind Elite Street.  Place hope.

4. Laverrod

Worked home okay from the back in the Colonel Reeves last start.  Drawn well but it’s hard to see him turning the tables on the favourite.

5. Money Matters

Strong push late in the betting last start but could only manage an eighth place finish after riding the speed.  Fitter again third up.  Could be worth another chance.

6. Indian Pacific

Was second in the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap over this distance at Flemington in March.  Ready to peak here third up.  Each way claims.

7. Outrageous

Ex Michael, John & Wayne Hawkes runner now under the care of Luke Fernie.  His best form is over 1400m and beyond.  Happy to watch him first up.

8. Cup Night

First upper.  Won the Group 3 Northam Stakes in May, then crossed the line with Elite Street in the Roma Cup.  Has won recent trial.  Place chance.

9. Stageman

Honest customer who was checked multiple times in the Colonel Reeves last start.  Thought his run was quite good considering.  Was in the placings at his two starts prior.  Rough hope here.

10. Carocapo

Ran home okay in the Colonel Reeves last start.  Not much form prior to that though.  Happy to risk.

11. Iseered Iseered

Four year old gelding with six wins and two seconds from eleven starts.  Won three in a row to begin the preparation then was sixth behind Elite Street last time.  Consider for multiples.

12. Long Beach

Fought on well to run third behind Elite Street last start.  Strips fitter second up and should get a good run from barrier nine.  Rough hope.

13. River Beau

Safely held at last two.  Looks up against it from the wide barrier.

14. Flirtini

Has been struggling for her best form this preparation.  Prefer others.

15. Graceful Girl

Pike and Williams runner.  Was second behind Elite Street in the Colonel Reeves and crucially gets back to 1200m where she is a perfect four from four.  The knock is the wide gate but she likes to drift back in her races.  Look for her zooming home out wide!

16. Wilchino

Have to go right back to the 24th June to find the last time this mare was defeated.  She has won six in a row since then.  This is clearly her toughest test yet but times and measures say she can be very competitive here.  Will give them something to catch!

17. Triple Missile – 1st Emerg

Beaten favourite against easier company last start.  Has talent but needs to improve.

18. All Day Session – 2nd Emerg

Held up and got going late in the Colonel Reeves.  Run was better than the form guide suggests.  Form prior was good.  Rough chance for multiples at a huge price!

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
2. Elite Street	15. Graceful Girl
16. Wilchino	16. Wilchino
15. Graceful Girl	2. Elite Street
9. Stageman	8. Cup Night

Group 2 Zipping Classic 2021 (Caulfield 2400m)

Group 2 Sandown Guineas 2021 (Caulfield 1600m)

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratchings: 17. Triple Missile, 18. All Day Session.

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	15. Graceful Girl
2nd	9. Stageman	2.87 lengths
3rd	2. Elite Street	2.9 lengths
4th	4. Laverrod	2.95 lengths