Track: Soft 5 Weather: Showers

There is a full field of 16 runners for the $1,500,000 Winterbottom Stakes with 14 geldings and 2 mares. There are four four-year-olds, six five-year-olds, two six-year-olds, three seven-year-olds and an eight-year-old. Ten runners had their last start in the Group 3 Colonel Reeves Stakes over 1100m at Ascot on 16th November (won by Rope Them In), two in the Group 1 Champions Sprint over 1200m at Flemington on 9th November (won by Sunshine In Paris) and two in the Group 3 Prince Of Wales Stakes over 1000m at Ascot on 2nd November (won by Bravo Centurion), while the other 2 came via different races. Last years winner returns to defend his title. Two runners are sired by Playing God. Trainer Luke Fernie has 3 runners and Steve Wolfe has 2.

The early favourite is last years winner Overpass who was 8th in the Champions Sprint. Second favourite is Western Empire who resumed from a 22 week spell for 2nd in the Colonel Reeves. Third favourite is Lady Laguna who over-raced and finished 10th in the Champions Sprint after placing in the $3 million Russell Balding Stakes. Bravo Centurion has won all 6 starts this campaign with the latest a 3.8 win in the Prince Of Wales. Maharba is a Victorian runner coming off a win in the Group 3 Rising Fast Stakes over 1200m at Flemington on 2nd November, while Rope Them In was the winner of the Colonel Reeves. The other runners are currently $20 or longer.

1. Overpass (16)

Won this race last year and returns to defend his title. Comes off 8th in the Group 1 Champions Sprint over 1200m at Flemington and won the Group 3 Sydney Stakes the start before that. Has the speed to overcome the widest barrier and is one of the main hopes.​

2. Western Empire (4)

Resumed from a 22 week spell for 2nd in the Group 3 Colonel Reeves Stakes over 1100m at Ascot on 16th November after being held up. That was a great return and he rates highly.​

3. Red Can Man (11)

The oldest runner in the race this year. Returned from a 22 week spell for 6th in the Group 3 Prince Of Wales Stakes over 1000m at Ascot on 2nd November. This is his 5th Winterbottom and he was 4th in 2020 and 4th in 2023.​

4. Hot Zed (2)

Last year he won the Colonel Reeves then finished 6th in this race. This year he was 10th in the Colonel Reeves. The 2023 Colonel Reeves was his last win. Looking elsewhere.

5. Maharba (6)

Victorian runner coming off a win in the Group 3 Rising Fast Stakes over 1200m at Flemington on 2nd November. Hasn’t raced here before but has a great record at the distance. Place hope.

6. Saloon Bar (13)

Won the Farnley Stakes 4 starts ago then has placed at his last 3 including the Prince Of Wales and the Colonel Reeves. Drawn wide but is a rough place chance.

7. Man Crush (7)

Started this campaign well, but has been disappointing at this last 2 starts including last in the Colonel Reeves. Wait until he shows a form reversal.

8. Snowdome (10)

Resumed in the Colonel Reeves where he over-raced and finished 6th. Prefer others.

9. Rope Them In (9)

Won the Colonel Reeves and has 7 wins from 15 starts. Chance.

10. Boots Like Bruce (14)

Finished 7th in the Colonel Reeves after being blocked. Not the worst.

11. Bravo Centurion (15)

He’s won all 6 starts this campaign with the latest a 3.8 win in the Prince Of Wales, and is unbeaten on soft and heavy tracks. Drawn very wide but has been impressive all campaign and has to be included in the chances.

12. Rockin’ Rupert (3)

Resumed for 5th in the Colonel Reeve after being blocked. Place chance.

13. Almighty Class (5)

Won 2 benchmark races before 4th in the Colonel Reeves. Looks to be an improving type and is in the mix.

14. Crippalenko (8)

Ran 3rd in the Prince Of Wales then had a torrid run in the Colonel Reeves to finish 11th. Unlikely,

15. Lady Laguna (1)

Over-raced and finished 10th in the Champions Sprint after placing in the $3 million Russell Balding Stakes. Having her first run here and has the inside barrier. Chance.​

16. Laced Up Heels (12)

Unplaced in all 4 runs this preparation. Prefer others.

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

Jo Jackson’s Tips
2 Western Empire
11 Bravo Centurion
1 Overpass
9 Rope Them In

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	1 Overpass
2nd	5 Maharba	0.79 length
3rd	4 Hot Zed	1.13 lengths
4th	9 Rope Them In	1.81 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

There were no scratchings.