Cover image courtesy of Western Racepix
The raiders have held a firm grip on this race in recent years, with Overpass claiming the past two editions. The 2025 Perth Racing Carnival’s Group 1 action got underway with the locals striking back in the G1 Railway Stakes, as Grant and Alana Williams-trained Watch Me Rock (Awesome Rock) claimed victory, giving West Australians early bragging rights.
Could 2025 be the year the locals turn the tables on last year’s 3–0 Group 1 clean sweep by the Eastern raiders? The second step of the challenge comes this Saturday.
At the head of the market of the $1.5 G1 Winterbottom Stakes are the two standout names everyone is talking about: locally trained Jokers Grin (Maschino) and Sydney-based raider Overpass (Vancouver). With their profiles, it’s easy to frame the race as a two-horse clash – but this isn’t just a two horse war. Several other contenders add depth and could play a spoiler, particularly if the front-runners go too hard or misfire.
The Locals – Jokers Grin is all the talk
Jokers Grin comes with rock‑solid form, a sensational Ascot record and plenty of momentum. His rare six-from-eight record at the track speaks for itself, and the last time he missed the top two was way back in May 2024, when he ran fourth. The only time he has finished out of the placings in his career.
His ability to handle wide gates and then sprint home strongly in the Quokka demonstrates both the turn-of-foot and resilience needed to peak under pressure. Drawn in gate six and stalking in midfield, he has a tactical path: he doesn’t need to lead, he can settle, get cover, and then launch into a sprint when others tire, he is a very versatile and consistent sprinter.
Trainer Bernie Miller reported that he did his last piece of serious work this morning and all is on track. "He did his last bit of work this morning, stretched the legs and Paddy (Patrick Carbery) had a feel as he hadn't been on him for a while, and all was good.
Jokers Grin | Image courtesy of Western Racepix
"I'm really looking forward to it, we need the inter-state competition. It was a pity we nearly got Mr Brightside and Giga Kick over here and that would have been great but there are still some very nice horses racing in these big races."
"Racing against these tougher, stronger types should only help my boy, he is still learning, and he is a chaser, I'm sure he will run well, I am really looking forward to Saturday."
Luana Miss (Bivouac) adds intrigue to the local contingent. The youthful filly enjoys a significant weight advantage under Weight-for-age conditions and her recent form having won the Listed Placid Ark Stakes in stylish fashion, suggests she is coming into her own. But she draws wide in gate 11, and history is not on her side.
While a 3-year-old colt or gelding hasn’t won the Winterbottom since Hardrada (Marooned {GB}) in 2002, 3-year-old fillies have an even longer drought, with Belinda’s Star (Tudor Warning {GB}) the last to claim victory in 1975. If circumstances align - an honest tempo, strong early pace, and room to run - she could feature in the placings.
Trainer Trevor Andrews explained his approach to Racing.com about entering her in the Winterbottom. “I wanted to make sure I gave her the time she needed before final acceptances to ensure she got over her last run the way she needed to, which she has.
Luana Miss | Image courtesy of Western Racepix
"So I was happy for her to accept and take her place.” When asked about her type, Andrews added, “She is a very athletic filly, quite agile, good stride length, high peak speed, high stride frequency; her point-to-point speed is quite exciting.”
Despite drawing wide, Andrews was not disappointed with her barrier. “I had a bit of a study, and something like the last seven winners have drawn 10 or wider. She is a filly that will be back and looking to join the three-wide train with cover at some stage. I don’t think it’s a negative; we didn’t want to be drawing one or two as a smaller, immature filly.”
Rope Them In (Playing God) presents as a value runner, particularly given recent form. Dropping back to 1200 metres looks ideal after finishing second behind subsequent Group 1 winner Watch Me Rock. If he lands cover early from a wide draw, he may pounce late for a placing or minor upset. His recent form suggests he is on an upward curve.
Rope Them In | Image courtesy of Western Racepix
The Champ is back to defend his title
The Bjorn Baker-trained and Darby Racing and partners raced Overpass carries the aura of history and the traditional weight of expectation. Drawn in gate three, he will likely press forward or lead - a break the opposition heart style that has served him well previously.
Proven at 1200 m and at Ascot, his freshened-up condition and the spacing of his previous runs suggest he is peaking at just the right time. If Overpass can control the lead and deliver his trademark grit at the finish, he remains extremely dangerous. But if the pace is hot up front, or Jokers Grin secures his ideal cover run, the hometown gun could strike late.
Overpass | Image courtesy of Western Racepix
His only defeat at Ascot came this year came in the $5 million Quokka Stakes, where he finished fifth behind Jokers Grin. Luke Hilton, racing manager for trainer Bjorn Baker, believes the signs point to a strong comeback. Not only did Overpass produce an exceptional performance in The Everest, finishing just one and a half lengths behind champion sprinter Ka Ying Rising (NZ) (Shamexpress {NZ}), but he has thrived since that run.
Hilton told Racing and Sports, “It was probably the best run of his career. 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.”
Luke Hilton | Image courtesy of Bjorn Baker Racing
Overpass travelled to Perth with stablemate Iowna Merc (Winning Rupert), who contested the Railway Stakes on Saturday. Iowna Merc’s main target is the $1.5 million Gold Rush at Ascot on 13 December over 1400 metres - a race that could also come into consideration for Overpass. “We may even look at a Gold Rush this year with him,” Hilton said. “He’s older now and tends not to 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.”
Other Eastern State contenders
Several other runners warrant attention, particularly for exotic angles or upset potential. Rey Magnerio (Magnus), a Victorian with a solid strike-rate over 1200 metres, comes off a Melbourne sprint win and a competitive Flemington outing. Expect him to settle midfield or just behind the leaders. With the 'Wizard of the West' William Pike aboard, he could slide into a placing if the pace collapses.
Trainer Robbie Griffiths confirmed that targeting the Winterbottom Stakes with Rey Magnerio was always the plan, and he hopes a light spring with the sprinter pays dividends. “We were always keen to do this third-up, hence the reason we had only the two 1000‑metre races,” Griffiths told The Verdict podcast.
Rey Magnerio | Image courtesy Racing Photos
“He hasn’t been overtaxed, knowing that he had to travel away for the first time. We are really pleased with how it’s all turned out. He has been here 10 days and hasn’t missed a beat. He’s been super.”
Benedetta (Hellbent) arrives in the Winterbottom Stakes as a tried-and-tested sprint mare, but from a wide barrier (9) she faces a challenging path in a compact, high-class field. Benedetta offers proven each-way appeal; if the tempo collapses or front-runners falter, she could sneak into the placings and provide value for exotics or minor finishers.
Benedetta | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
Libertad (Russian Revolution) presents a more intriguing 'dark horse' scenario. Drawing a nice inside barrier of two gives him tactical options to secure a forward position without expending unnecessary energy, and his recent pattern-level form suggests he can handle the speed and intensity of this 1200 m Group 1 sprint.
Stable confidence is evident, with jockey Jamie Mott choosing Libertad over staying in Melbourne for other meetings. He has shown consistency, including a strong fourth in the G1 Champions Sprint and a win in the G2 Victory Stakes, and is still seeking his first Group 1 triumph and a potential spot at stud. Trainer Rob Archibald commented on his condition and prospects: “I really liked his last start. On the backup, I think he is a horse that can be in the mix. He is well and very fit.”
Libertad | Image courtesy of Trackside Photography
What the numbers (and history) suggest
Putting together form, draw, and track history, the race looks razor‑tight at the top. Jokers Grin offers home‑ground advantage, momentum, and tactical versatility: he can settle and sprint without needing to lead. Overpass brings class, experience, and a big narrative — the chance to make history with a third straight Winterbottom. The draw (three for Overpass, six for Jokers Grin) gives both tactical options: Overpass can lead; Jokers Grin can stalk and pounce.
The intrigue doesn’t end there. If Overpass sets a genuine early pace, it could sap his stamina, potentially opening the race to closers like Jokers Grin or even outsiders if the leaders flatten off late.
That dynamic uncertainty, local pride versus raider legacy, youth versus experience - is what gives the 2025 Winterbottom Stakes its rich “East vs West” storyline and makes it a must-watch.
