17/04/2026
One of the biggest race days in Perth, if not Australia, is back tomorrow with the running of the $5,000,000 Quokka slot race at Ascot.
The Quokka forms part of a trilogy of races across all three codes of racing- Greyhound/Harness and Thoroughbreds.
But have no doubt, the biggest race of them all is the Quokka.
On the same day, we also have the $200,000 'Joey' 1200m race and the time-honoured $500,000 Karrakatta Plate for some of the state's best 2yo racers.
I am going to have a look at the fields for these 3 races and see if we can't find a winner and maybe a value play or two for each.
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The Quokka
Let's start with the big one. The $5,000,000 slot race that will stop a state for a blistering minute and a bit. Raced over 1200m, it features some of the best sprinters in the country. Scheduled to run at 3:45pm, its race 8 on the card and it seems to be an open race this year.
My pick- Rey Magnerio
I love this horse. Have been a big fan for the last couple of years and was excited to see his last W.A Campaign which resulted in a massive Gold Rush win. He is proven at the track, he is proven at the distance and he was only 1.5 lengths behind Jigsaw, arguably the most in form horse in this race, in their previous meeting. With Pikey on board again, I can see him stalking the leaders and swooping in late to take the prize.
Value pick- Magnificent Andy ($41)
The old fella is getting on a bit however he has looked supreme in his two trials to date and he gets back to a distance that better suits him in these types of race. A cheeky tenner each way wouldn't go astray.
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The Joey
For the horses that almost made it. Keep in mind the best horses in this race are also the last minute emergencies for the Quokka and may not race the Joey if they get the last minute call up.
My Pick- Repossession
Clearly the class horse of the race. I still rue the day that Desert Whisper was matched against him at Belmont last year and got scratched at the barriers. This horse gone on to do some extraordinary things and with a 97 rating, should account for most of these. The distance is the query and Cessation the main danger.
Value Pick- Wineoclocksomewhere ($14)
If this horse can produce in the city the same form it has been down south, it is a serious contender. Tash Faithfull knows this horse inside out and has tasted much success on him. Time to see what he can produce and I would have him in a SRM with Repossession to win and this one to finish top 3.
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Karrakatta Plate
Not that long ago I had dreams of Surefire Miss maybe running in this race, but alas it was not to be. Hopefully a future Team Boyne Racing member will step up to the plate. The 2yo 'championship' race sees some of the states best youngsters fighting it out. There are some absolute stars in this race.
My Pick- Aurum Belle
The undefeated favourite just keeps stepping up and knocking them out of the park. Her times are phenomenal and should see her get the 1200m with ease, though I don't expect this to be quiet as convincing as her first three wins. The barrier is questionable. How will she run from the river versus another undefeated horse in Beatty coming from barrier 1? I think she will find a way and take the win, but this is definitely the sternest test so far. I've got a feeling we need to appreciate this horse while we still have her in W.A because I think bigger races over east will be calling Aurum Belle's name after this race.
Value Pick- Snow Monkey ($17)
Has been targeted for this race and has produced some very good runs without a win. Gets the experienced Eastern States jockey on board and has the potential to upset some of the more fancied runners. Simon Miller knows what hes doing with horses like this. Keep safe with a SRM top 4 finish and Aurum Belle Top 2.
Good luck, good punting and as always, gamble responsibly.
