The freak, Overpass, kept his Ascot record at a perfect four for four with another pulsating performance when defending his title in Saturday’s $1,500,000 Group 1 MCA Polytrack - Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) at Ascot.
With regular rider Josh Parr in the saddle, the 6-year-old son of Vancouver was made to work from an outside barrier to sit outside the leader Bravo Centurion.
The Pride Of Dubai gelding Maharba was held up at a vital stage in the straight before rattling home to be beaten three-quarters of a length, with the 7-year-old Red Hot Choice gelding Hot Zed back in third.
Overpass advances his record to ten wins and five seconds from 29 starts with earnings of $9,757,500.
It was a profitable day for the Baker stable after Arapaho (Fr) claimed the day’s feature, the $750,000, Group II Zipping Classic at Caulfield.
“That was a gutsy win. He had to absorb a heap of pressure early and I was very worried after 200 metres at how it was unfolding, Baker admitted.
“I thought he was super, super brave. I don't know if we can call him a champion, but he's getting very close.
“Massive shout out to Darby Racing, they're my biggest supporters.
“We've had a great day, one of the special days in racing.
Darby Racing / Will Johnson Bloodstock purchased Overpass for $75,000 from the Corumbene Stud draft at the 2020 Inglis Easter Yearling Sale Round 2.
He is the best of five winners from as many to race for the winning Exceed and Excel mare Walkway, whose dam Boardwalk Bell (Bellotto) is a half-sister to 9-time Group 1 winner Northerly.
After foaling a full sister to Overpass last spring, Walkaway foaled a Stay Inside colt on September 15.
A Golden Slipper-winning son of Medaglia d’Oro (USA), Vancouver stands at Woodside Park Stud for $9,900.
