STAR-STUDDED FIELD SET FOR BLOCKBUSTER WINTERBOTTOM

A cracking field has been assembled for the $1.5 million Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) at Ascot this Saturday. With brilliant sprinters from across Australia converging on the west, it promises to be a thrilling contest.

TOP CONTENDERS

Overpass heads the market after an eye-catching run for 10th in the $20 million The Everest. The Bjorn Baker-trained galloper set the pace in the Randwick feature before being swamped late. His only start at Ascot resulted in a dominant win in The Quokka earlier this year.

The in-form Triple Missile looms as a legitimate threat based on his fast-finishing second behind Star Patrol at Moonee Valley. That effort followed an unlucky sixth in the Rising Fast Stakes where he was blocked for runs at a crucial stage. The return to 1200m is ideal.

Don’t discount the local chances, headed by the Neville Parnham-trained Snowdome. He announced himself as an emerging force with a stylish first-up win in the Prince Of Wales Stakes, defeating Red Can Man and Man Crush. The four-year-old remains lightly raced and will have derived great benefit from that run.

BEST OF THE REST

The three-year-old crop features prominently in Ripcord and Oscar’s Fortune, who fought out a thrilling finish in the Placid Ark Stakes. Ripcord caught the eye, storming home late and will have taken improvement, while Oscar’s Fortune continues going from strength to strength this campaign.

Resortman hasn’t raced for 29 weeks but has an affinity with Ascot and boasts strong stats when resuming from a spell. With multiple Group wins to his name, Brad Rawiller’s mount warrants respect.

Red Can Man has been competitive in features all season and rates highly with the winkers going back on. He was luckless behind Snowdome last start and appeals as an each-way chance.

THE REST

The remainder of the field is made up of gallopers who would need to improve significantly or produce career-peak performances to figure in the finish.

Savatoxl, Laverrod and Clemenceau finished out of the placings at Group 1 level last start, while My Bella Mae, Flying Missile and Hot Zed were soundly beaten in the Colonel Reeves Stakes.

We are set for a captivating edition of Australia’s premier summer sprint. Overpass might be the one to beat but faces stiff opposition from an array of talented rivals. Don’t miss the action this Saturday – check out the latest Winterbottom Stakes odds with the VBA bookies!

But remember, always gamble responsibly.