The Quokka - Roar Racing

Race Overview

date	Sat 20 Apr 2024
track	Ascot
distance	1200m
conditions	Weight-For-Age
status	Feature
prizemoney	$4,000,000

The Quokka is the latest “invented” big money race to launch in Australia, a slot race in the spirit of The Everest, launched by Perth Racing with the inaugural running taking place in April 2023.

The field for the first ever edition is made up of five Group 1 winners, four Group 2 winners, and another four horses that have at least won at black type level. There are eight locals lining up, against six interstate visitors from the eastern seaboard.

We will watch with interest as the evolution of The Quokka takes shape, to see what calibre of sprinter they can attract to fly out west. The race is sure to find its worthwhile place on the Australian racing calendar.

Betting guide

There are a few horses in this race whose best form has come when either leading or sitting close to the speed, and with $4M on the line pace won’t be an issue.

This could well mean that those settling midfield or worse will have the advantage.

Amelia’s Jewel will drift back from the widest gate, while Uncommon James and Asfoora drawn next to her will push forward which will naturally inject speed. Shades of Rose will use barrier 1 and can sit as close as she likes, while Bella Nipotina and Overpass from middle barriers will look to get a lovely trail from midfield.

These latter two are high quality gallopers, and bring the best form of the last 12 months. They will be ahead of Amelia’s Jewel in the run, but will conserve more energy than the speed horses mentioned above, and can finish over the top. Don’t be afraid to take on the favourite.

Preview & tips

This first running of The Quokka has attracted six good sprinters from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, and they are out starting point given they have been taking on the best of the best over the last few months.

Uncommon James is an improving four-year-old of only nine starts that is coming off a win in the Oakleigh Plate and a second in the Galaxy, and thus couldn’t be in better form for this assignment.

Asfoora was in both the Oakleigh Plate and Galaxy, less than a length behind Uncommon James each time, and there are reasons she can turn the tables.

Shades of Rose was a couple of lengths behind Uncommon James and Asfoora in the Galaxy, and might be a little down on confidence right now, but can bounce back.

Bella Nipotina is the best credentialled horse in the field, and has drawn the best of the four main fancies.

Overpass appears to be the forgotten horse of the race, and his last two first-up performances would surely be good enough to win this race. He’s beaten Anamoe, don’t forget.

Of the WA horses, the powerful three-year-old filly Amelia’s Jewel will jump a commanding favourite, and it’s hard to see that she won’t measure up.

Selections: 1.Overpass 2.Bella Nipotina 3.Amelia’s Jewel 4.Asfoora