Trainer Gary Moore with Takedown after winning the 2017 Winterbottom Stakes
Some of Australia’s best sprinters are set to take the TABtouch Masters to whole new level, with the running of the Group One $1M Crown Perth Winterbottom Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.
The 1200 metre classic will see some of the best from the west take on some of the fastest from the east, with 12 horses to compete in the 66th running of Perth’s feature sprint race.
“This year’s Crown Perth Winterbottom Stakes is the feature for week 2 of the TABtouch Masters, and without doubt has some of the heavyweights of the Australian sprinting landscape,” Perth Racing Managing Director Professor John Yovich said.
Interstate raiders Viddora and Santa Ana Lane are coming off impressive Group One performances, while four-year-old mare Fuhryk won brilliantly at Caulfield in October.
“The local contingent will be led by current race favourite, State Solicitor, who comes into the race having won both of his starts this preparation, ”Yovich said.
State Solicitor’s win in the Group Three Colonel Reeves Stakes last start was phenomenal. Sixth in the Winterbottom last year, punters have already started to back him for the win this year. Fellow WA champ Rock Magic will contest his third Winterbottom. He’s off the back of a fantastic run in the Group One Darley Classic at Flemington and he’s another one of the locals with a big chance in the race.
While the eight race program will provide plenty of entertainment on-track, there’ll also be plenty of star power off it. Channel Seven racing expert Francesca Cumani will be a special guest judge at the Country Cups ‘Fashions on the Field’ Final, where the contenders will battle it out for their chance to win a trip for two to Royal Ascot in the UK.
“Francesca Cumani is one of the most popular racing figures in Australia, and Perth Racing is absolutely delighted to have her join us, for such a big day’s racing at Ascot,” Yovich said.
In addition to the ‘Fashions on the Field,’ a new initiative showcasing some of the best of WA’s quality produce and wines will be available for racegoers to taste their way through the best that the Great Southern has to offer.
Guests can experience cooking demonstrations and a range of food and wines stalls including Gourmet Gateway, Sublime Spices, local wines, Golden Whisk, cheeses from Charli G's Dairy Emporium, 3 Drops Olive Oils, Vino Foods, Mt Barker Chicken and Plantagenet Pork.
“Crown Perth Winterbottom Stakes Day 2017 is going to be a raceday like no other,“ Yovich said.
While musicians Monty Cotton and Trio will perform onstage near the new Kirin Club - Pavilion Bar, with popular music act Scizzorman playing live at Stone Motherless Bar after the last race. Don’t miss the lawn games in the new Mumm Champagne Garden area and opportunity to have your raceday outfit captured for free with MP Illustrations.
2017 TABtouch Masters
The world's only single-track festival featuring a Group One race worth at least $1,000,000 on three consecutive Saturdays;
25 Nov-17 James Boag’s Premium Railway Stakes
2 Dec-17 Crown Perth Winterbottom Stakes
9 Dec-17 Magic Millions Kingston Town Classic
- Last year the TABtouch Masters attracted more than 26,000 guests over three consecutive Saturdays for the Group One $1M ultimate raceday experience.
- Restaurants, bars and trackside marquees saw more than 4,500 bottles of champagne poured and more than 550 dozen fresh oysters shucked.
- More than 9,000 gourmet meals prepared and served from the menu.
- Perth Racing employed more than 2,000 employees over the Masters Series.