Parr’s ominous Overpass warning

By Connor Scanlon

Josh Parr has issued an ominous Overpass warning to rivals ahead of this weekend’s $1.5 million Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) at Ascot.

Parr and Bjorn Baker’s gun sprinter will again team up in Perth in pursuit of a third straight Winterbottom.

Overpass failed in his last Ascot assignment in the Quokka earlier this year but he is much fresher and in better order this time around, says Parr.

Some of the locals believe Overpass looks as he did prior to last year’s Winterbottom triumph as opposed to when he was last in Perth - a sentiment echoed by Parr.

“That’s a good observation, and it backs up what you hear from Bjorn and myself constantly,” he said on SENTrack & RSN’s Giddy Up.

“He’s a horse that needs to be fresh, he needs to have spaced runs and when he’s in that mindset this is the horse you get.

“He’s a really fit and healthy horse and he looks fantastic in his coat. That’s what they’re seeing at the moment and they didn’t get to the see that in the autumn for the Quokka because was coming off that TJ Smith run and he was just a little bit flat.”

Host Gareth Hall asked: “So that’s an ominous warning to his rivals on Saturday.”

Parr replied: “It most definitely is.”

Overpass drew kindly in barrier 3 and Parr is planning to use his customary speed to lead up the field of nine after the scratchings of Man Crush and Spacewalk.

“In Winterbottoms and Quokkas gone by there has been suggestions from others that they might be able to match his speed or go with him,” Parr said of the likely speed map.

“Bravo Centurion did in the Winterbottom last year but I don’t think he’s been able to lift his head since. Overpass is such a fast horse and travels at a speed that gets a lot of horses very uncomfortable.

“He looks to get the lead on Saturday and from a very favourable draw he could comfortably lead the fence and hopefully gives a really good kick when he turns for home.”

With eight contenders all attempting to plot the downfall of Overpass, who is Parr scared of most?

“The obvious choice there is Jokers Grin,” he replied.

“He’s in good form, he won the Quokka in good style, so he’s the obvious danger.

“But if I can get a lead and a run-along that suits us, and he gives his kick that he’s able to, he’s going to be very hard to run down and Jokers Grin will have to be pretty good.”

The Group 1 weight-for-age 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 at $8 is Rey Magnerio has drawn barrier 8 for trainer Robbie Griffiths and star WA jockey Willie Pike.