Ascot is building toward a fierce summer surge, and the Ascot 29 November Winterbottom Stakes Preview is already stirring the early excitement. As Saturday approaches, trainers are expected to carry that sharp, purposeful focus you see only on major racedays — small gestures, steady hands, and a quick glance at a horse’s stride revealing the anticipation beneath the calm. Riders will be mentally rehearsing long before the public arrives, knowing that ten races between 9:29am and 3:12pm will shape the flavour and intensity of WA’s summer season. This card won’t just open Ascot’s weekend. It will ignite it.
THE SPOTLIGHT EVENTS – WHERE LEGENDS AIM TO RISE
GROUP 1 MCA POLYTRACK WINTERBOTTOM STAKES — $1,500,000 (RACE 9)
Time: 2:30pm | Distance: 1200 metres
Contenders: (9) OVERPASS, JOKERS GRIN, OSCAR’S FORTUNE, REY MAGNERIO, ROPE THEM IN, LIBERTAD, REPOSSESSION, BENEDETTA, LUANA MISS
The headline sprint of the day. Every runner will walk in with pressure buzzing around them, and every stride is expected to carry a mix of reputation, expectation and race-day nerve. This is where Ascot’s roar will peak.
TABTOUCH REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP: ROAD TO ASCOT — $100,000 (RACE 4)
Time: 11:21am | Distance: 1200 metres
Contenders: (14) BOLTA, WINEACLOCKSUMWHERE, SQUILLIONARE, DREAMERS NEVER DIE, LEONARDO DA GREY, THE MIGHTY BUTCH and a couple of others.
Regional pride arrives with ambition and grit. Smaller stables will try to push their way onto Ascot’s grand platform.
TABTOUCH SIR ERNEST LEE-STEERE CLASSIC — $125,000 (RACE 5)
Time: 11:58am | Distance: 1400 metres
Contenders: (10) MARDUSA, SHERPA EXPRESS, FLYING FRANKIE, RIVA AQUARAMA, NINETYMILESTRAIGHT, PURE SILVER, plus others completing the field.
A stage for rising names. Talent, calm judgement and future promise will define this contest.
ASCEND TROPHIES JUNGLE DAWN CLASSIC — $125,000 (RACE 8)
Time: 1:50pm | Distance: 1400 metres
Contenders: (17) BONJOY, MADAME MAGIC, ANGEL UNDERCOVER, SECRET ATTRACTION, DUN WITH THE BLUES, CHERRY CAN RUN, YORGA PRIDE, CHINO LA DIVA and more.
The mares will bring polish and strength, ready to deliver a compelling prelude to the feature sprint.
MORE THAN RACING – THE EXPERIENCES THAT WILL SHAPE THE DAY
- Fashions on the Field
Colour, confidence and bold style will claim the lawns as racegoers bring their best.
- The Sanctuary
The air-conditioned Leger Lawn Marquee will offer shade, comfort and a premium view of the straight.
- Food, flavours and atmosphere
Flying Colours, The Terrace and General Admission will each create their own rhythm, from relaxed lunches to lively energy across the grounds.
- A racing festival with culture and vibrance
Winterbottom Stakes Day is expected to blend performance, glamour and racing tradition into Ascot’s signature summer expression.
THE REMAINING SIX RACES – THE RHYTHM THAT BUILDS THE CARD
Race 1 — LOOP HANDICAP
OMWLY | $40,000 | 9:29am | 1000m
A sharp opener likely to set the early tempo and tone for the meeting.
Race 2 — LIQUOR BARONS HANDICAP
RTG 72+ | $80,000 | 10:04am | 1800m
A deeper test where early positioning may decide the mid-race flow.
Race 3 — QUAYCLEAN HANDICAP
RTG 66+ | $80,000 | 10:41am | 1400m
Often a decisive mid-morning clash where the crowd settles in and the pace begins to rise.
Race 6 — BISLEY WORKWEAR HANDICAP
GRAD HCP 60+ | $60,000 | 12:35pm | 1800m
A tactical contest expected to reward rhythm and patience.
Race 7 — SWAN DRAUGHT HANDICAP
RTG 78+ | $80,000 | 1:10pm | 1200m
A controlled but sharp burst that bridges the afternoon toward the feature stakes.
Race 10 — MRS MAC’S HANDICAP
GRAD HCP 60+ | $60,000 | 3:12pm | 1200m
The finale. One last chance for a standout performance before the day winds down.
ANTICIPATION BEFORE ASCOT IGNITES
As the field edges closer to the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes, Ascot is preparing for a meeting built on emotion, speed and performance. Every race will build the tension until the feature sprint arrives under peak afternoon light. And when the curtain drops, the buzz will carry forward, powering the early chapter of Ascot’s summer story.
For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to RaceBuzz
