Winterbottom Stakes 2023 betting preview & tips | December 2

The 72nd edition of the Winterbottom Stakes will be run and won this Saturday afternoon at Perth’s Ascot Racecourse.

Interestingly, 10 of the last 15 editions of the Winterbottom Stakes have been won by horses hailing from outside Western Australia; however, only three interstate runners have accepted for the $1.5 million contest this year, so there is a strong chance that a local hope can secure victory.

2023 Winterbottom Stakes odds

After claiming the inaugural edition of The Quokka at this track and trip earlier this year, the Bjorn Baker-trained Overpass has opened as a clear favourite at +170 with online bookmakers. Joining Overpass at the top of the market is another interstate runner, Triple Missile (+500), who has been plying his trade in Victoria during the spring. The other two runners in single figures are the two three-year-olds at the bottom of the weights: Ripcord (+600) and Oscars Fortune (+850).

2023 Winterbottom Stakes speed map

There appears to be an abundance of speed in the 2023 Winterbottom Stakes, with the likes of Savatoxl, Phanta and Oscar’s Fortune expected to go with Overpass, who will attempt to adopt similar front-running tactics to his Quokka success. Red Can Man, Snowdome and Man Crush will push forward to settle behind the leading quartet. The swoopers will be Laverrod, Triple Missile, Ripcord and My Bella Mae, and they will be hoping the leaders set a solid enough tempo to allow them to finish off strongly.

Continue reading for HorseBetting’s top selections and $100 betting strategy for the 2023 Winterbottom Stakes.

2023 Winterbottom Stakes preview & form

Overpass brings top form into this contest through the Group 2 Shorts and The Everest, and his four-length defeat in Australia’s richest race stands out like a sore thumb in this field. The son of Vancouver has been to the track and distance once for a win in the $4 million Quokka, where he appeared to be beaten on the home turn but kicked back to take the lead with 200m to go and just held on from a fast-finishing Amelia’s Jewel. If Overpass shows the same tenacity on Saturday, the +170 on offer with top betting sites will look like a steal post-race.

Although Oscar’s Fortune tasted defeat for the first time in his career in the Placid Ark Stakes, it took a massive effort from Ripcord to fly home down the outside and nab him in the final strides. After drawing barrier 13, the son of Rich Enuff should be able to follow Overpass across the front of the field to settle outside the leader. William Pike will attempt to up the ante and use the light weight to his advantage, but Oscar’s Fortune may feel the pinch late in his Group 1 debut.

Lindsey Smith has engaged Damien Oliver on Triple Missile, who will be seeking his first Group victory in his maiden start at the top level. The six-year-old gelding, who started his career in Western Australia, has a very good record at the track (7:4-1-0) and has four wins from 11 starts at 1200m. However, barrier one is not a positive for this son of Smart Missile, as he will more than likely settle near last on the fence and will need a lot of luck in the home straight.

Ripcord couldn’t have been more impressive in the Placid Ark Stakes, where he made up several lengths on Oscar’s Fortune to claim the second win of his career. The explosive finish was something that had to be seen to be believed, and it was reminiscent of Chautauqua in his prime. Luke Fernie and his team were very happy to draw barrier seven, which should allow Ripcord settle closer to midfield, but he would have to produce another career peak to take out this contest.

2023 Winterbottom Stakes selections & best bets

• 1
  

  OVERPASS

• 16
  

  OSCAR’S FORTUNE

• 8
  

  TRIPLE MISSILE

• 15
  

  RIPCORD

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