Winterbottom Stakes – 2023

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There is a full field of 16 runners plus 2 emergencies for the $1,500,000 Winterbottom Stakes with 14 geldings, 1 stallion and 3 marea. There are two three-year-olds, three four-year-olds, five five-year-olds, four six-year-olds, three seven-year-olds and an eight-year-old. Seven runners had their last start in the Group 3 Colonel Reeves Stakes over 1100m at Ascot on 18th November, two in the Listed Placid Ark Stakes over 1200m at Ascot on 18th November and two in the Listed Jungle Mist Classic over 1200m at Ascot on 18th November, while the rest came via different races. Three runners are sired by Gingerbread Man. Trainers Chris & Michael Gangemi have 3 runners while Neville Parnham, Dion Luciani and Luke Fernie all have 2 runners.

The early favourite is Overpass who has had a 7 week let-up after running in The Everest. Second favourite is Ripcord who won the Placid Ark Stakes. Third favourite is Triple Missile who was a length behind the winner in the Group 3 Rising Fast Stakes on 4th November, and goes well at this track. Oscar’s Fortune was a close 2nd to Ripcord in the Placid Ark. Hot Zed was the winner of the Colonel Reeves.  Snowdome won the Group 3 Prince Of Wales Stakes over 1000m at Ascot on 4th November, while Red Can Man finished 6th in the Colonel Reeves. The other runners are currently $20 or longer.

1. Overpass (11)

He has had a 7 week let-up after running in The Everest.on 14th October where he finished 4 lengths 10th after being the early leader. He has raced here once before when he won The Quokka over 1200m on 15th April when first-up from a spell. Have to include in the chances.

2. Red Can Man (10)

One of 3 runners sired by Gingerbread Man (the others are Phanta and Valency). He finished 6th in the Group 3 Colonel Reeves Stakes over 1100m at Ascot on 18th November where he shied at something and there were excuses. This is his 4th Winterbottom and his best performance was 4th in 2020. Chance.

3. Savatoxl (8)

This 8YO is the oldest runner this year. He is also the only runner to have won a Group 1, with most never having raced at this level. He’s proven at WFA and has won feature races in South Australia, the Northern Territory and Victoria. He’s not getting any younger though but normally goes well first-up. I’d love to see the old boy do well, but won’t be putting any money on him.

4. Hot Zed (2)

Winner of the Colonel Reeves last start, beating many others in this field. He has 8 wins at this track with 4 of those at this distance. Jason Whiting sticks and I think he can be in the finish.

5. Resortman (9)

Ran 4th in this race last year. Is first-up after 29 weeks but his trial performances were nothing to get enthused about. Not the worst.

6. Laverrod (15)

Only beat one home in the Colonel Reeves. Looking elsewhere.

7. Snowdome (18)

Won the Group 3 Prince Of Wales Stakes over 1000m at Ascot on 4th November, when resuming after 20 weeks. Generally holds his form second-up. One of 2 runners for Neville Parnham (the other is Flying Missile). The widest barrier is a concern. Place chance.

8. Triple Missile (1)

Was a length behind the winner in the Group 3 Rising Fast Stakes at Flemington on 4th November, and goes well at this track. Has the inside barrier. Chance.

9. Phanta (17)

One of 3 runners for Chris & Michael Gangemi (the others are Clemenceau and Go Forward). Tends to go better at Belmont than Ascot and has drawn very wide. Prefer others.

10. Clemenceau (14)

Finished 8th in the Colonel Reeves. This looks too tough.

11. Man Crush (12)

One of 2 runners for Luke Fernie (the other is Ripcord). Ran 9th in the Colonel Reeves. Unlikely.

12. Go Forward (6)

Unplaced in all four runs this preparation. Not here.

13. My Bella Mae (5)

One of 2 runners for Dion Luciani  (the other is Oscar’s Fortune). She has 5 wins from 9 races at Ascot but doesn’t seem to be as brilliant as she once was. At her best she can finish in the trifecta.

14. Flying Missile (3)

Finished 6th in the Listed Jungle Mist Classic over 1200m at Ascot on 18th November, where she was held up and didn’t have much luck. Not the worst.

15. Ripcord (7)

Won the Listed Placid Ark Stakes over 1200m at Ascot on 18th November. He had dominant closing splits and drops 2 kg from that run. One of the main chances.

16. Oscar’s Fortune (13)

Was a close 2nd to Ripcord in the Placid Ark after winning all 4 starts before that. Don’t dismiss.

17e. Corn Cob (16)

Super consistent galloper who goes well at this distance. Big jump in class here.

18e. Valency (4)

Finished 2nd to Amber Glide in the Jungle Mist at huge odds. Could surprise if she gets a run.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
15 Ripcord
4 Hot Zed
2 Red Can Man
1 Overpass

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	1 Overpass
2nd	16 Oscar’s Fortune	1.68 lengths
3rd	15 Ripcord	2.53 lengths
4th	2 Red Can Man	3.37 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratchings: 17e. Corn Cob, 18e. Valency.