The Perth racing public has embraced Overpass like one of their own, and the veteran sprinter is back in WA yet again as he attempts to rewrite history with a third straight triumph in the Winterbottom Stakes.
This latest mission marks his sixth trip to Ascot, a track where he has enjoyed rare consistency—winning both the 2023 and 2024 runnings of The Quokka (1200m) and securing the previous two Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes over the same 1200m journey.
His only Perth defeat came in this year’s Quokka, when he finished fifth, though stable representative Luke Hilton says the gelding could not be heading west in better shape.
Overpass arrives off a terrific effort in The Everest, where he was beaten just 1-1/2 lengths by Ka Ying Rising—an effort considered elite even by his high standards.
“It was probably the best run of his career,” Hilton said.
“He got a week out after the Everest, came back, had a good trial the other day and he’s in really good form.
“When he went to get on the plane, he looked better than he did before The Everest, so I’m excited.”
Travelling alongside him was stablemate Iowna Merc, who ran in the weekend’s Railway Stakes as part of his preparation.
Iowna Merc is being aimed at the Gold Rush (1400m) on December 13, and Overpass may also be considered for that event depending on how he comes through the Winterbottom.
“We may even look at a Gold Rush this year with him,” Hilton said.
“He’s older now and tends to not be as good second-up, but we’ve never tried him over a bit further second up.
“The main goal will be the Winterbottom, and we’ll see what happens after that.”
The Winterbottom Stakes has often been plundered by interstate raiders, who have claimed 12 of the past 17 editions. While two-time winners such as Buffering and Ortensia have etched their names into racing folklore, no runner has ever achieved three consecutive victories in the race’s 72-year history.
Before backing any runner in the Winterbottom Stakes, be sure to check the latest markets across the top Australian betting sites.
