The Winterbottom Stakes is Western Australia’s premier sprint event, held over 1200m at Ascot Racecourse during the Perth Carnival. The race is held under weight-for-age conditions, with $1,000,000 in prize money. The 2020 Winterbottom Stakes will be held on the 28^th November.

The Winterbottom Stakes was first run in 1953, gained Group 2 status in 1979, and was upgraded to a Group 1 in 2011. In 2015, the prizemoney was increased to $1 million, and with this continued improvement, the race has continued to attract a very strong field.

Notable past winners include Buffering (2013, 2015), Ortensia (2009, 2011), Takeover Target (2008), and Miss Andretti (2005).

 

The 2019 Winterbottom Stakes was claimed by Hey Doc for the Tony McEvoy operation, an example of a quality sprinter from the eastern states targeting the race.

And it's Hey Doc all the way! The $1m G1 Winterbottom goes to Hey Doc @mcevoymitchell @CalvinMcEvoy and Luke Currie! #AscotGoodTimes @PerthRacing pic.twitter.com/6vcO3OACHr

— Sky Racing (@SkyRacingAU) November 30, 2019

 

Winterbottom Stakes Field

With the increase in prizemoney and the upgrade to Group 1 status, a growing number of top quality eastern sprinters are targeting the Winterbottom Stakes after completing their spring campaigns in Melbourne or Sydney.

These invaders meet the top of the WA sprinting ranks, who may come from the Group 2 Lee Steere Stakes (1400m) or the Group 3 Colonel Reeves Stakes (1100m) in preparation.

Overall, the assembled field is a strong one, with the combination of local talent and interstate stars.

Winterbottom Stakes Betting

This clash in form lines between local gallopers and interstate invaders can make it difficult for punters, with a number of winners at big prices coming in recent years. However, four short price favourites have also won in the past decade.

WINTERBOTTOM STAKES WINNERS

2019 – Hey Doc – $13.00

2018 – Voodoo Lad – $13.00

2017 – Viddora – $5.00

2016 – Takedown – $9.00

2015 – Buffering $2.50

2014 – Magnifisio – $7.50

2013 – Buffering – $2.00

2012 – Barakey – $2.70

2011 – Ortensia – $2.20