The Bjorn Baker-trained Overpass is set to chase a fourth Perth sprint feature victory this Saturday in the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) at Ascot.
The five-year-old gelding boasts an impressive record in Western Australia, having claimed victory in the first two editions of The Quokka (1200m) as well as last year’s Winterbottom Stakes.
After finishing unplaced in the Group 1 Champions Sprint (1200m) at Flemington earlier this month, Overpass heads into the Winterbottom off a strong first-up win in the Group 3 Sydney Stakes (1200m) last month.
“I think he’s better,” said Bjorn Baker’s racing manager, Luke Hilton.
“We thought he was better first-up and that he’d improved again going to the Champions Sprint.
“He just doesn’t go down the straight as well as he goes around the bends.”
Hilton highlighted the gelding’s adaptability in cornered races compared to straight-track events.
“When you look at the race (Champions Sprint), the way it panned out, you had *Sunshine In Paris* only two lengths off him, whereas around a bend race, she’d be five and six lengths off him.
“He loves Perth – he has done it so many times now, and I’m confident he will bounce back.
“I think he’s better than he was 12 months ago.”
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