Ego's Dare will start from barrier 5 in the Winterbottom Stakes

Former Sydney galloper Ego’s Dare has been freshened with beach work since arriving at Grant Williams’ stable in readiness for Saturday’s Group 1 $500,000 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) at Ascot.

Ego’s Dare transferred from the Gerald Ryan stable after he finished ninth to Down Under Boy in the last race of the Flemington Spring Racing Carnival on November 5.

A winner of six races from 31 starts for $312,675 in prize money, Ego’s Dare hasn’t won since April 2010 when winning the Listed Hall Mark Stakes at Randwick.

Jockey Shaun O’Donnell has been booked for the ride on Ego’s Dare who is currently $31 with Tabsportsbet.

The Hussonet seven-year-old, who was flown to Perth last Tuesday, has won all his races on dry tracks when first and second-up.

While he will certainly get a dry track, this will be his seventh start at this preparation.

“We only got him last week so we don’t know much about him,” Williams said.

“We’ve taken him to the beach to freshen him up and keep him happy.

“He’s a nice horse and Alana (Williams’ wife) says he goes good. She’s usually on the mark.”

Williams also has Avante in the Winterbottom.

The dual-licensed trainer said Avante had thrived since her strong Colonel Reeves Stakes (1100m) win over Werd a fortnight ago at Ascot.

Kyra Yuill retains the ride on the mare who is a $21 chance.

Both Ego’s Dare (5) and Avante (3) have drawn well in the Winterbottom Stakes as did race favourite Ortensia in barrier two.

Williams also has four runners in the Group 1 $1m Railway Stakes (1600m) on Saturday including the $3.60 favourite Ranger.