The Quokka April 15th, Tips and Previews
Best Bet - The Quokka
4
Uncommon James $6.00
Uncommon James is having a career-defining campaign.
He won the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate in stunning fashion and arguably should have won the Group 1 Galaxy.
Despite drawing thirteen in the Quokka barrier redraw, he can still jump positively and put himself in the ideal position.
1200m looks his pet distance, and only bad luck in transit has seen his colours lowered twice during his career.
He is nearing a peak run for the preparation, and I am not convinced the penny has completely dropped for the Cable Bay gelding.
The rising five-year-old should be rock hard fit for this stage of his preparation, and with even luck, I expect him to be too classy late.
Being cast during the early stages of the race is the primary concern.
Next Best - The Quokka
10
Bella Nipotina $4.00
Bella Nipotina savaged the Group 1 William Reid Stakes line behind the flying Imperatriz.
Her record at 1200m must be respected, and she is ready to explode third-up from a spell.
The Pride Of Dubai mare has drawn ideally in barrier six, and if she is saved up for one devastating burst of power and speed, she will be hard to hold out.
This looks like a long-range targeted event, and if she can stay in touch with the leaders early, I expect her to figure in the finish.
She is extremely well placed under the weight-for-age conditions, and a win on Saturday would provide her with a career-defining moment.
Having too much work to do as they enter the home straight is the primary concern.
Best Roughie - The Quokka
12
Asfoora $9.00
The ultra-consistent Asfoora goes into all winning conversations.
The Flying Artie mare is building an impressive career record, and she looks well placed here with 56.5kg.
She is versatile, and she has proven this preparation she doesn’t need to control the tempo of the race.
Third up from a spell, I expect her to produce the best run of her campaign, and if she can find cover from her wide barrier draw, she can figure.
She may look like the winner at the top of the furlong, and if you have a live ticket with her name on it, you may need to hold your breath the last 50m.
The primary concern is running out a strong 1200m against a quality field.
Best Exotic - The Quokka
T
$96 for 100%
A very competitive and even field for the inaugural running of The Quokka.
I am standing out the two best 1200m horses in our trifecta, Uncommon James and Bella Nipotina.
The versatile Asfoora, and the local swoopers Amelia’s Jewel and Trix Of The Trade, all go into our selections for second, while we have gone extremely wide for the minor end of the prize.
1st: 4, 10
2nd: 3, 4, 10, 12, 14
3rd: Field
Outlay: $96
Flexi Percentage = 100%
