Anthony Freedman’s racing manager Brad Taylor has described the wide barrier 11 draw for their Winterbottom Stakes 2017 runner in Perth on the weekend Santa Ana Lane as “ideal”.
Santa Ana Lane jumps from barrier 11 with Dean Yendall aboard in Perth’s Winterbottom Stakes 2017 field this weekend. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.
A dozen sprinters remain in the mix for Saturday’s Group 1 $1 million Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) at Ascot Racecourse following the early scratching of the widely-drawn Trevor Andrews-trained The River (13).
The two outside barriers now belong to Simon Miller’s last start Group 3 Colonel Reeves Stakes (1100m) runner-up Caipirinha (12) and the visiting Freedman-trained Santa Ana Lane (11) over from Victoria.
Winterbottom Stakes history shows that since the success of Hardrada for his second win in 2003 from barrier 13 of 16 when the race took place at Belmont Park, just one other winner has jumped from a double-digit gate with Magnifisio (10 of 12) in 2014.
Taylor though remains convinced that barrier 11 is where exactly where Lope De Vega entire Santa Ana Lane needs to be starting from in his first W.A. assignment.
“He’s drawn ideally in 11. He can get a bit of cover and get to the outside which he needs. If he gets a bit of luck he’s going to be pretty hard to beat I think,” Taylor told AAP.
The five-year-old presents fresh with his latest run taking place at Caulfield on October 1 for the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) victory.
Dean Yendall rode the galloper that day and continues his association in Perth this weekend.
Yendall also partnered Freedman’s Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes runner-up Mr Sneaky next race in the Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m), but could only manage to finish five lengths back 12th to Tosen Stardom.
The lightweight hoop though atoned with a second elite level success for the stable on VRC Derby Day, November 4, aboard the gun filly Shoals in the Group 1 Myer Classic (1600m) at Flemington.
“Dean has had three rides for us this spring and won two Group 1s,” Taylor said.
“Unfortunately Mr Sneaky didn’t run out the mile in the Toorak Handicap.
“He’s in good form and he knows the horse now.”
Santa Ana Lane travelled over to Perth at the start of last week and was put through his paces in an 800m gallop yesterday morning on the course proper at Ascot in a pleasing piece of work.
“He’s in terrific order and we can’t fault him leading into it,” Taylor said.
“Back to 1200 metres, hopefully we get a bit of pace on and if that’s on then hopefully he can get over the top of them.”
In the latest Winterbottom Stakes odds at Ladbrokes.com.au Santa Ana Lane pays $7.50 with local Colonel Reeves Stakes winning local State Solicitor the short-priced favourite at $2.90.
Check out the full Winterbottom Stakes 2017 betting markets and back your favourite summer sprinters now through Ladbrokes.com.au.
