Ascot (The Quokka Day) Tips & Preview | Saturday 26 April

Western Power (6) had a tough run two starts ago, finishing fifth by 1.4 lengths after being held up for most of the straight over 1400m. Last start, the Michael Grantham-trained gelding redeemed himself with a powerful win over 1400m, despite racing three-wide throughout, winning by a neck. The step up to a mile suits him perfectly, especially with improved fitness. He narrowly missed winning over this course and distance previously. Despite drawing the outside in a small field, he should have too much speed for his rivals.

Wicked Venom (3) is back and excels when fresh. The four-year-old gelding has won two of three first-up races, including a strong win over this distance at Northam last preparation. In a recent trial, he looked impressive, leading and then drawing clear in the straight for an easy 3.1 length win. With good speed expected in the race, he should be well-positioned to finish strongly.

Be Bardot (4) made a strong return three starts back, finishing a close second over 1200m. Second-up, the Grant & Alana Williams-trained mare was unlucky, getting caught behind tiring horses and finishing eighth by 2.9 lengths, a run that can be forgiven. She bounced back impressively last start over 1600m, showing a powerful turn of foot to win by a length. With William Pike staying on board and the step up to 1800m looking ideal, this up-and-coming daughter of Toronado is set for another strong performance.

Lova Session (7) is a consistent performer and is unlucky not to be aiming for her third consecutive win. Two starts ago, the Adam Durrant-trained mare finished strongly down the outside to secure a nose victory over 1400m. Last start, she was held up mid-straight over 1500m but flew home once clear to finish a close second by a head. She has a solid record over this course and distance, and with ‘The Wizard’ William Pike staying on board, she’s set for another strong run.

Sixinch Heels (1) has been unstoppable this preparation, winning all four of her races. The Simon Miller-trained filly broke her maiden four starts ago with a 4.3 length victory, followed by a win in a Class 1 Handicap. She then stepped up to this course and distance two starts ago, easily defeating her rivals again. Last start, she dropped back to 1200m and continued her dominance, winning by just under a length. With Lucy Fiore aboard for every start this preparation, she can give Sixinch Heels the perfect run from barrier 2.

Ahyeahrighto (2) is poised for a strong performance third-up after two solid runs this preparation. First-up, the son of Harry Angel stormed home over 1000m, just missing the win by a nose. Last start, despite racing three-wide, he fought strongly to finish fourth by 1.4 lengths. He’ll appreciate the step up to 1200m, a distance over which he has previously won narrowly. With a good draw and Brad Parnham aboard, he should find a prominent position and be a strong contender.

Yes Queen (8) is set for a standout performance in the G2 Karrakatta Plate. The Dion Luciani-trained filly, daughter of Yes Yes Yes, finished second as the favourite in the Listed Supremacy Stakes first-up. Last start, she drew an outside barrier in the G3 Gimcrack Stakes and had to settle at the back, but she finished strongly to place a close second to Talkanco. She’ll be fitter third-up and has drawn well for a better run with William Pike on board.

Overpass (1) returns to Western Australia looking to win his third consecutive The Quokka. The Bjorn Baker-trained gelding loves racing Ascot having won all four of his previous starts over this course and distance, which includes the past two editions of The Quokka and the G1 Winterbottom Stakes. He arrives in great form having given Briasa an almighty fight in the G1 TJ Smith Stakes where he was run down in the shadows of the post to finish a head second. While there’s no doubting he does his best work fresh, he has run well second-up in the past including a half-length second in the G1 Ladbrokes Doomben 10,000. Josh Parr has a terrific relationship with the gelding who is thrown in at the weights and should be able to cross and lead.

Twain’s Angel (13) has been freshened up since her win in the City Of Belmont – Marjorie Charleson Classic over this course and distance seven weeks ago. The Sean & Jake Casey-trained mare excels at this track and distance, with only one defeat in three first-up races, which was due to an elevated heart rate last preparation. She looks ready for a strong performance, having impressed in a recent trial where she cruised to a close second behind Western Empire. With Madi Derrick aboard and an inside gate draw, she’s set for a bold showing.

Boussac (10) has not run a bad race this preparation and looks very close to winning. The Meryl Hayley-trained gelding was caught three-wide the trip last start over this course and distance yet still fought bravely to finish just under a length fourth. In his three runs prior to that this time in work, he finished no further back than 1.4 lengths. Troy Turner takes the ride and should be able to give him every opportunity from the kind draw.