The G1 Winterbottom S. takes centre stage at Ascot in Western Australia on Saturday and this open age sprint provides a good opportunity for Malaguerra (Aus) (Magnus {Aus}) to register a Group 1 double this month. The 5-year-old proved himself a top notch sprinter last autumn when he won the G1 UBET BTC Cup at Doomben in May beating Dothraki (Aus) (Mossman {Aus}) and Japonsime (Aus) (Choisir {Aus}). The Peter Gelagotis trained gelding maintained that progress when he reappeared this spring, finishing second to Star Turn (Aus) (Star Witness {Aus}) in the G2 Schillaci S. at Caulfield Oct. 8, before beating Spieth (NZ) (Thorn Park {Aus}) in the G1 Darley Classic at Flemington Nov. 6. His chances got a further boost when he drew barrier one for Saturday's 1200m contest.
Terravista (Aus) (Captain Rio {GB}) also arrives to the race in good form and should make a bold show. Already a Group 1 winner when beating the mighty Chautauqua (Aus) (Encosta De Lago {Aus}) in the 2014 G1 Darley Classic, Joseph Pride's 7-year-old made a nice seasonal debut when a short second to Redzel (Aus) (Snitzel {Aus}) in the Listed Mumm S. over 1000m at Flemington Nov. 3. Vega Magic (Aus) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) looks somewhat of a dark horse. The Sean Casey trained 4-year-old has only met defeat once in five starts and his last time win over the re-opposing Rock Magic (Aus) (Redoute's Choice {Aus}) in the G3 Colonel Reeves S. at Ascot Nov. 12 also gives him the edge over the army-monikered trio of over Battle Hero (Aus) (Stratum {Aus}), Regal Commander (Aus) (Nadeem {Aus}) and Military Reign (Aus) (Universal Ruler {Aus}) who also take their chances on Saturday.
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