The starting gates are poised to fling open this Saturday, April 20th, at Ascot Racecourse in Perth. The electrifying Kia Quokka returns, and with it, the thunder of hooves and the thrill of purebred competition.

This isn’t just any race; it’s Western Australia’s richest, where prestige and prize money collide in a heart-stopping sprint. Witness the culmination of months of training and jockeying as these magnificent horses battle for equine glory.

Race overview

• Date: Saturday, April 20th, 2024
• Location: Ascot Racecourse, Perth
• Distance: 1200 Meters
• Conditions: WFA. Special Conditions Slot race
• Status: Feature race
• Prize Money: $5,000,000 AUD

1. Overpass (6) Winterbottom Stakes winner. Has won previously first-up and resumes here after a break of four-and-a-half months. Finished off last preparation won by 1.75 len this track G1 Winterbottom December 2 over 1200m defeating Oscar’s Fortune carrying 58.5kg at $3. When resuming last campaign second of 12 at Randwick in the G2 The Shorts September 16 over 1100m, a head behind Private Eye with 57kg at $5. We know what we’re going to get from him and that’s been good enough in the past.

2. King Of Sparta (4) Group 2 winner. Gelding returning from a spell and has won previously when first up. Finished off last campaign by long-neck Randwick G2 Expressway February 17 over 1200m slow track defeating Coal Crusher carrying 57.5kg at $4. When resuming last campaign second of 10 at Flemington in the G2 Bobbie Lewis September 16 over 1200m, a nose behind Star Patrol with 59kg at $6. Kept fresh since his latest win. Can land the knockout blow if they go too hard up front.

3. Malkovich (2) Multiple Group 2 placegetter. Useful type. At the latest run set the pace for much of the race 2nd of 15 at Rosehill in the G3 St Kingdom on March 30 over 1200m, head behind Bandi’s Boy carrying 56.5kg at $26. The race before that faded in the straight second last of 7 at Randwick in the G1 Cant Stks on March 9 over 1300m, 5 len behind Lady Laguna with 59kg at $41. Can give a bold sight from the front.

4. Triple Missile (7) Group 2 placegetter. Second-up. First-up after four months 5th of 8 at this track in the G3 Roma Cup on April 6 over 1100m, 5 len behind Oscar’s Fortune carrying 58.5kg at $16. Previously second-up 6th of 9 at Flemington in the G3 Rising Fast on November 4 over 1200m, 1.0 len behind Spacewalk carrying 57kg at $3.50. Couldn’t back up his impressive trial first-up and the jury is out on him now.

5. Waitak (10) NZ Railway Stakes winner. First-up. Finished off last campaign eighth of 12 at Te Rapa in the G1 Bcd Grp Sprint February 10 over 1400m, 4.5 len behind Bonny Lass carrying 59kg at $5.30. Previous preparation first-up won by 2.5 len Te Rapa Hcp December 2 over 1300m defeating Aris Aris carrying 54.5kg at $2. Hard to line up but ratings suggest he needs to find a few lengths.

6. Saloon Bar (1) Third-up today and placed third-up in the past. First-up 4th of 12 at Albany Bluff Knoll on March 10 over 1099m, 3.5 len behind Gemma’s Son with 55kg at $17. Last start 2nd of 8 at this track Rtg 72+ on March 30 over 1200m, nose behind Laced Up Heels with 60kg at $19. Needs to improve sharply.

7. Bella Nipotina (13) Manikato Stakes winner. Racing well. Most recently sat on the pace when 2nd of 13 at Randwick in the G1 T J Smith on April 6 over 1200m, in the wet; neck behind Chain Of Lightning with 56.5kg at $11. The race before that 4th of 10 at Moonee Valley in the G1 William Reid on March 23 over 1200m, 2.25 len behind Imperatriz carrying 56.5kg at $5. Brings the best eastern states form into The Quokka. Barrier is a big niggle though.

8. Amelia’s Jewel (12) Northerly Stakes winner. Second-up. First-up after five months 2nd of 8 at this track in the G3 Roma Cup on April 6 over 1100m, 0.6 len behind Oscar’s Fortune carrying 56.5kg at $1.60. Previously second-up favourite; won by 0.8 len at Moonee Valley G2 Stocks September 29 over 1600m defeating Pride Of Jenni with 56.5kg at $1.30. Looked to have something left in the tank first-up. Can get back to her brilliant best now.

9. Ripcord (5) Group 1 placegetter. Second run back. First-up after four months 3rd of 8 at this track in the G3 Roma Cup on April 6 over 1100m, 3.5 len behind Oscar’s Fortune with 56.5kg at $9.50. Previously second-up 2nd of 11 at this track 3yo Classic on October 14 over 1000m, 1.5 len behind Almighty Class carrying 58kg at $5.50. Fitter and still has plenty of upside. Blinkers on creates interest.

10. Oscar’s Fortune (3) Group 1 placegetter. Third-up today and won third-up previously. Resuming held ground to the line 2nd of 12 at Albany Bluff Knoll on March 10 over 1099m, 1.3 len behind Gemma’s Son with 54kg at $2.30. Second run from a spell raced right near the speed and boxed on; won by 0.6 len at this track G3 Roma Cup April 6 over 1100m defeating Amelia’s Jewel carrying 56.5kg at $3.50. Beat Amelia’s Jewel convincingly last start and looks the next big thing in WA. Right in this.

11. Wild Belle (11) Second-up. First-up after two months favourite; ran on from midfield and won by 0.5 len at this track Rock Magic March 23 over 1000m defeating Acromantula carrying 54.5kg at $2.50. Previously second-up favourite; ran on from midfield and won by 1.75 len at Pinjarra LR Miss Andretti January 17 over 1200m defeating Gemma’s Son carrying 54kg at $2.30. Is a nice horse on the way up but this is much harder than what she’s been winning.

12. Almighty Class (8) Third-up today. First-up 2nd in a small field at this track Rtg 72+ on March 16 over 1000m, nose behind Premium Choice carrying 56.5kg at $1.50. Second-up raced on the pace when 3rd of 8 at this track Rtg 72+ on March 30 over 1200m, nose behind Laced Up Heels with 57kg at $1.90. Hasn’t gone to the levels expected of him this time in. Would be a surprise to see him win this.

13. Super Smink (14) Group 2 winner. Back from a spell. Finished off last campaign second of 7 at this track in the LR Starstruck December 16 over 1600m, a nose behind Rusty Dreams carrying 54kg at $2.30. Previous preparation first-up favourite; won by head this track LR Belgravia October 28 over 1200m defeating Almighty Class carrying 57kg at $3.50. Blinkers on first time but there’s a big niggle after missing the Roma Cup with a setback.

14. Petula (9) Last start came home strongly from last on the turn; 3rd of 8 at this track Rock Magic on March 23 over 1000m, 0.6 len behind Wild Belle carrying 52kg at $7.50. The race before that ran on from midfield and won by a neck at Pinjarra Pearl Classic February 17 over 1300m defeating Miss Esprit carrying 58kg at $3. Progressive filly but this looks bridge too far.

15. Comfort Me (15) Multiple Group 1 placegetter. Dual acceptor. Second run back. First-up after four months sat on the speed throughout before fading to run last of 8 at this track in the G3 Roma Cup on April 6 over 1100m, 10 len behind Oscar’s Fortune with 58.5kg at $21. Previously second-up 3rd of 13 at this track in the G2 Lee Steere on November 11 over 1400m, 1.1 len behind Valour Road carrying 59kg at $5.50. Looking to others.

16. Red Can Man (16) Group 3 winner. Dual acceptor. Third-up today and won third-up in the past. First-up 10th of 12 at Albany Bluff Knoll on March 10 over 1099m, 10 len behind Gemma’s Son with 56.5kg at $4.50. Last start sat on the speed throughout before fading to run last of 8 at this track Rock Magic on March 23 over 1000m, 6 len behind Wild Belle with 56.5kg at $7. Old champ but he looks up against it.

17. Hot Zed (17) Group 3 winner. Dual acceptor. Useful type. At the latest run 6th of 8 at this track in the G3 Roma Cup on April 6 over 1100m, 5 len behind Oscar’s Fortune with 58.5kg at $41. Before that 7th of 14 at Bunbury in the LR Bunbury Stakes on March 9 over 1400m, 2.75 len behind Aztec Ruler with 61kg at $16. Not far away in this last year. Just needs to gain a start.

18. Gemma’s Son (18) Dual acceptor. Going well. At the latest run 4th of 8 at this track in the G3 Roma Cup on April 6 over 1100m, 3.5 len behind Oscar’s Fortune carrying 58.5kg at $41. The start before that 4th of 8 at this track Rock Magic on March 23 over 1000m, 1.5 len behind Wild Belle with 58.5kg at $14. Big niggle with him running a strong 1200m.

Our Tips for the day!

Group 1 place getter OSCAR’S FORTUNE (10) comes into this on a back of a win at this track and in strong form scoring four wins and two places from six starts last preparation, can take this. Northerly Stakes winner AMELIA’S JEWEL (8) was caught deep so made a dash forward before the turn then stuck on well to finish second last start over 1100m at this track when fresh. Can take this. Manikato Stakes winner BELLA NIPOTINA (7) finished among the placings last time when second at Randwick and should be further improved, can figure in the finish. Group 2 winner KING OF SPARTA (2) resumes today following a recent trial at Randwick, can figure in the finish. Winterbottom Stakes winner OVERPASS (1) bounced back to winning form at this track last start and rates a chance in this field.

Tips: (10)-(8)-(7)-(2)-(1)