Overpass has become something of an honorary local in Perth racing, and the seasoned campaigner has made the trip west once more as he sets his sights on an unprecedented third straight victory in the Winterbottom Stakes.
The seven-year-old embarks on his sixth visit to Ascot, a venue that has already brought him considerable success through consecutive wins in the 2023-24 editions of The Quokka (1200m) and the last two runnings of the Group 1 Winterbottom over the same distance.
His sole blemish in Perth came earlier this year in the Quokka, where he finished fifth, but racing manager Luke Hilton believes Overpass is primed to rebound strongly.
Not only did he produce a superb performance when beaten just 1-1/2 lengths by superstar sprinter Ka Ying Rising in The Everest, but the gelding has reportedly flourished since.
“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.”
Overpass was joined on the flight west by stable companion Iowna Merc, who lined up in the Railway Stakes on Saturday.
Iowna Merc’s major assignment is the upcoming Gold Rush (1400m) at Ascot on December 13, and connections have not ruled out Overpass featuring in the same race.
“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.”
Horses trained outside Western Australia have dominated recent editions of the Winterbottom Stakes, claiming 12 of the past 17 renewals. While several champions, such as Buffering (2013, 2015) and Ortensia (2009, 2011), have secured the race twice, no galloper has ever completed a historic three-peat since the race was introduced in 1952.
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