Overpass, a seven-year-old gelding from Vancouver, is set to race in the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes over 1,000 meters at Royal Ascot on June 16, aiming to claim the £700,000 prize money [1, 2]. The race, formerly known as the King's Stand Stakes until 2023, has a rich history of Australian sprinters winning, including Choisir in 2003 and Nature Strip in 2022 [1, 2].
Jockey Joshua Parr expressed confidence in Overpass’s ability to handle Royal Ascot’s unique straight course, which features undulations and a steep incline close to the finish. Parr said, "I was pleased with his work and he came up the straight there really well. I’m glad he has had a look at the track and has felt the hill now" [1]. He added that the course was a test but Overpass handled it: "He certainly felt the pinch the last little bit, but he had a nice hit-out and a good, solid blow. So he should recover well and be right on track for Tuesday" [2].
To prepare, Overpass was put through a track gallop on June 12 at Royal Ascot to familiarize him with the course’s challenges [1, 2]. Trainer Bjorn Baker, visiting the UK for the first time as a trainer, noted the difficulty in gauging Overpass’s competition but underscored his horse’s potential. "It’s hard to know what we’re up against, but the market suggests Overpass goes in with a good chance if he finds his best form," he said [1].
Overpass has had 36 career starts and a strong record including 12 Group 1 wins. He has previously won Group 1 races at 1,200 meters such as two Winterbottom Stakes in Perth but jockey Parr believes the shorter 1,000-meter Royal Ascot race gives Overpass his best chance [1, 2].
Training has included hill work at Lambourn where Overpass is stabled in Charlie Hills’ yard, helping him prepare for the undulating nature of the Ascot course [1, 2]. He currently holds the early favorite status at 5-2 among British wagering operators [1, 2].
Overpass is expected to run at Royal Ascot on June 16, where he will test himself against Europe’s elite sprinters under Parr’s guidance.