The Quokka – 2024

Track: Good   Weather: Fine

There are 14 runners plus 4 emergencies for the 2024 The Kia Quokka with 13 geldings, 3 mares and 2 fillies. There are five 3YOs, four 4YOs, two 5YOs, five 6YOs and two 7YOs. Seven of them had their last start in the Group 3 Roma Cup over 1100m at Ascot on 6th April (won by Oscar’s Fortune), three in a 2YO+ Open Set Weights With Penalties race over 1000 at Ascot on 23rd March (won by Wild Belle) and two in a 2YO+ Benchmark 72+ Handicap over 1200m at Ascot on 30th March (won by Laced Up Heels), while the rest came via different races. Two runners are sired by Playing God and two by Pride Of Dubai. Trainers Bjorn Baker, Daniel Morton, Simon A Miller and Luke Fernie each have 2 runners.

The first 3 runners in the market are the horses that ran the trifecta last year. The early favourite is Amelia’s Jewel who ran 2nd last year. Second favourite is Overpass who won last year Third favourite is Bella Nipotaina who finished 3rd lst year. Oscar’s Fortune comes off a Roma Cup win, while King Of Sparta won the Group 2 Expressway Stakes at Randwick at his last outing. The other runners are currently $20 or longer.

1. Overpass (6)

Won this race last year. Hasn’t started since winning the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes over 1200m at Ascot on 2nd December 2023 to give him 2 from 2 at this track. Won a recent Rosehill trial. Should go well.

2. King Of Sparta (4)

Won the Group 2 Expressway Stakes at Randwick at his last outing on 17th February. Hasn’t started for 9 weeks but goes well fresh. First run at Ascot but this is his best distance.

3. Malkovich (2)

Run down late for a close 2nd in the Group 3 Star Kingdom Stakes over 1200m at Rosehill on 30th March. Not the worst.

4. Triple Missile (7)

Looks safely held.

5. Waitak (10)

New Zealand runner with a good record at the distance. In the mix.

6. Saloon Bar (1)

Prefer others.

7. Bella Nipotina (13)

Was 3rd in this race last year. Comes off a close 2nd in the Group 1 TJ Smith over 1200m at Randwick. One of the main chances.

8. Amelia’s Jewel (12)

Ran 2nd in this race last year. She’s had 10 races here for 7 wins and been runner-up at the other 3. Right in this.

9. Ripcord (5)

Has placed in three Group races in a row here. Place chance.

10. Oscar’s Fortune (3)

Comes off a win in the Group 3 Roma Cup. He’s been in the quinella at all 8 of his starts. Strong chance from the good barrier.

11. Wild Belle (11)

Winner of her last 2 to give her 5 wins from 10 starts. Up and comer with a chance.

12. Almighty Class (8)

Honest youngster but this looks too hard.

13. Super Smink (14)

Resumes after 18 weeks and has never missed the trifecta in 9 starts. Drawn wide but could surprise.

14. Petula (9)

Won the WA Breeders at Bunbury 3 starts back. Sneaky place chance.

15e. Comfort Me (15)

This is too hard.

16e. Red Can Man (16)

Prefer others.

17e. Hot Zed (17)

Looking elsewhere.

18e. Gemma’s Son (18)

Not here.

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.

Jo Jackson’s Tips
8 Amelia’s Jewel
10 Oscar’s Fortune
7 Bella Nipotina
1 Overpass

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	1 Overpass
2nd	8 Amelia’s Jewel	0.9 length
3rd	10 Oscar’s Fortune	1.12 lengths
4th	7 Bella Nipotina	1.4 lengths

The track was rated as Good 4.

Scratchings: 15e. Comfort Me, 16e. Red Can Man, 17e. Hot Zed, 18e. Gemma’s Son.