The stage is set for a thrilling edition of the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes this Saturday, with the final field of eleven gallopers confirmed and a dramatic shift at the top of the betting markets. Local hope Jokers Grin has supplanted the two-time defending champion, Overpass, as the race favourite for the prestigious $1.5 million sprint at 1200 metres.
Market Shake-Up: A New Favourite Emerges
In a significant turn of events, Bernie Miller's prized horse, Jokers Grin, has been installed as the $2.60 favourite, pushing the previously dominant Overpass out to $2.90. The pair now stand well clear of their nearest rivals in the market, Luana Miss and Rey Magnerio, who are both quoted at $9. The latter will be piloted by the renowned Railway Stakes-winning jockey William Pike, adding another layer of intrigue to the contest.
Pike's decision to ride Rey Magnerio came after he deserted his previous mount, Oscar's Fortune ($21), conceding that beating the new favourite seemed a tall order. "Poor Oscar's, he's done nothing wrong; he's been very good," Pike told SEN. "But I wasn't sure we'd be able to beat Jokers Grin, so I was looking for another option... Rey Magnerio has been well travelled. He's run good races in just about every race he's been in. I think he's the next best horse I could get on that can beat Jokers Grin."
Contenders and Preparations for the Group 1 Sprint
Rey Magnerio arrives with a compelling backstory, having lit up social media after an unlucky third-place finish on Oaks Day at Flemington where he was blocked for a run. Pike has already begun his homework for the big race, studying replays with his preparation set to intensify after Tuesday evening's crucial barrier draw. "I'll get a bit more serious and have a look at a few of my opponents," Pike said, highlighting the tactical adjustments that might be needed on race day depending on track conditions.
The Grant and Alana Williams stable, fresh from their Railway Stakes success with Pike, will saddle up Spacewalk ($51) with jockey Lucy Fiore. Grant Williams was pragmatic about their chances, acknowledging the horse was "a touch under all these good ones" after being outclassed by Jokers Grin in the Colonel Reeves Stakes on November 15.
The Full Field and Form Lines
The compact but elite field features several other notable runners. Benedetta ($15), already a Group 1 winner, and Libertad ($34) round out the interstate challenge. The form of Albany galloper Rope Them In ($11) received a timely boost on the weekend, having split Railway and Carbine Club victors Watch Me Rock and Cosmic Crusader in the Asian Beau in his last start.
With only eleven horses facing the starter, the 2025 Winterbottom Stakes promises a fierce and direct showdown, headlined by the captivating duel between the new local favourite, Jokers Grin, and the dethroned champion, Overpass.
