Horse Racing Tips for The Winterbottom Stakes 2024

The Pinnacles Carnival rolls on and the 2024 Winterbottom Stakes is here.

As one of Perth’s premier sprint races, it is no surprise to see the top-class talent it has attracted.

Seasoned Group 1 stars are set to clash with some of WA's most promising sprinting guns making it the highlight for punters this Saturday.

With $1 million on the line and a history of producing genuine stars like Miss Andretti and Buffering, this 1200m dash is arguably the highlight of the Perth Carnival.

Let’s dive into the field and find the best bets for Saturday.

Track Conditions

The race will be contested over 1200m at Ascot on a good and likely firm racing surface.

Historically, the Winterbottom has been a race for on-speed runners who can absorb pressure, though a strong tempo can bring backmarkers into play late.

With temperatures set to hit 30 degrees on race day, watch the earlier races for any track bias that may arise.

The Map

The tempo is expected to be blistering early, with Bravo Centurion (11) and Overpass (1) likely to push forward and vie for the lead.

Man Crush (7) and Boots Like Bruce (10) will also be prominent, ensuring the leaders won’t get an easy time.

Key midfield runners such as Lady Laguna (15) and Maharba (5) should enjoy economical runs just behind the speed, while backmarkers like Western Empire (2) and Laced Up Heels (16) will need the tempo to be sustained to have any hope of featuring.

The Favourite

#1 Overpass $2.90

The Bjorn Baker-trained Overpass is the class runner of the field and enters this race off a string of high-level performances in Sydney.

With a powerful cruising speed, he’s perfectly suited to the Ascot circuit and has the tactical versatility to handle a strong tempo.

Josh Parr in the saddle is a major asset, and while barrier 16 is less than ideal, his ability to roll forward and find a prominent position will give him every chance.

He’s the one to beat and a deserving favourite.

Tips

1st – #15 Lady Laguna – $4.80

Lady Laguna looks perfectly suited to this year’s Winterbottom.

Trained by the Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald team, this mare has a tactical advantage from barrier 1 and should map ideally just behind the leaders.

James McDonald takes the reins and if the race unfolds as expected, her turn of foot could prove decisive late.

With a soft run in transit, she’s a great chance to steal the spotlight.

2nd – #1 Overpass – $2.90

You can’t ignore the class of Overpass, who has consistently raced against elite competition.

Despite drawing wide, he can overcome the gate and position himself perfectly.

If he avoids a speed duel up front, he’ll be hard to beat.

3rd – #5 Maharba – $10.00

Maharba has a real knack for timing his runs perfectly and thrives over 1200m.

He was a strong winner at Flemington during Cup Week and the form from that race has been holding up well.

He maps beautifully for this, has plenty of upside, and comes from a stable with a solid track record with horses on the road.

4th – #12 Rockin’ Rupert – $61.00

Rockin’ Rupert is a quality sprinter who returned with a strong effort in the Colonel Reeves Stakes, clocking fast late splits.

With barrier 3, he’s in a great position to settle much closer to the pace this time and should be finishing strong.

Shocked by the bookie's prices but won't be if he is in the finish.

Head to TheGreatTipOff.com for thousands more tips, including free selections for today's racing!