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Winterbottom: Biggest winners and losers from barrier draw
Connor Scanlon • November 26th, 2025 12:19 pm
The Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes is taking place over 1200m at Ascot Racecourse on Saturday.
The $1.5 million weight-for-age race had its barrier draw on Tuesday, and there were some winners and losers from the draw.
A big winner is the Bernie Miller-trained Jokers Grin who drew barrier 6, shortening his price into favouritism.
Overpass, who was the original favourite and winner of the past two Winterbottoms, has been pushed out to second favourite after drawing barrier 3.
Perth racing media presenter Michael Heaton has admitted that he is shocked that the 2025 Quokka winner has overtaken Bjorn Baker’s gelding in the market, especially after seeing Overpass' trackwork at Breakfast with the Stars.
“It wouldn’t have surprised me last week, but I must admit I think I’ve jumped ship after seeing Overpass (at Breakfast with the Stars),” Heaton told SENTrack & RSN’s Giddy Up.
“Before The Quokka earlier this year, Overpass’ work was only fair, he’s always been a bit of a lazy horse when looking at his gallops the last few years.
“But (at Breakfast with the Stars) he was outstanding – the sharpest I’ve seen him look.
“I think he will (start favourite), I don’t think the draw for Jokers Grin is bad, but a length and a half off Ka Ying Rising and Jimmysstar in The Everest reads up pretty well for this.
“(Overpass) has a perfect draw, he’s won the last two Winterbottoms, I think it may be Overpass again.
“I wouldn’t really be surprised if Overpass really shortened over the coming days.”
Despite the confidence from Heaton around seven-year-old, an interesting statistic is going against Overpass’ way – one which has been 30 years in the making.
“Interestingly, the gate he has drawn – barrier 3 – no horse has won from that barrier in the Winterbottom in over 30 years,” Heaton revealed.
“So, he will have to reverse history.
“But he won from barrier 16 two years ago and barrier 10 last year, so it doesn’t really matter. He’ll put himself on speed either way.”
Perth local Luana Miss was bitterly unlucky in the barrier draw, being labelled the biggest loser by most pundits, thanks to drawing the outside gate (11).
Heaton was devastated for the local, stating that if she runs top four from here, then it will be an amazing run.
“It’s unfortunate for her, especially from a local’s perspective,” Heaton admitted.
“It’s always difficult for the three-year-olds in the sprinting weight-for-age series.
“I think that if she is able to run top four from there, then she’s done a good job.”
Jokers Grin is currently the $2.60 favourite with Sportsbet, while Overpass and Luana Miss are $2.90 and $9 respectively.
The other key hope in the market Rey Magnerio has drawn barrier 8 for trainer Robbie Griffiths and jockey Willie Pike.
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Odds correct when published at 10:20am on November 26.
