Pateman’s classy bid for The Quokka
As jostling between slot holders trying to secure horses to compete in the $5 million Tabtouch-Quokka heats up, trainer Mitchell Pateman has sent out a subtle reminder to potential suitors.
Mitchell Pateman believes his gun three-year-old Almighty Class has done enough to attract the attention of slot holders, but fears he has become the forgotten horse in Quokka discussions.
Almighty Class played only a cameo role at last year’s Ascot Pinnacles carnival because of a virus and Pateman hopes it’s not a case of ‘out of sight, out of mind’.
The son of Playing God is early into his career with just the three starts, but Pateman is a massive fan and connections have rejected big offers from Hong Kong.
Almighty Class commenced poorly on debut on a heavy track at Belmont last July, but bounced back to claim the Max Simmond Stakes (1000m) on his return in October.
He then finished a short-neck second to Super Smink in the Listed Belgravia Stakes (1200m) before the remainder of his campaign came to an abrupt halt through illness.
Thrilled with the development of Almighty Class since his enforced spell, Pateman believes it will be a missed opportunity if he couldn’t secure a slot in Perth’s richest race.
“I’ve had a few phone calls, but nothing set in stone,” Pateman told Tabradio.
“I suppose he becomes a bit of a forgotten horse because he didn’t race in the big ones.
“I suppose people forget about him.
“Everyone is saying Ripcord is a shoe in to get a slot, but he’s met Ripcord twice and beat him twice.
“I think he is every bit as good.
“The progression he has made is something I’ve never seen since I’ve been in racing.
“He’s gone from 520kg to 570kg now and is just a beast, he’s huge.
“He’s come back better than ever.
“I’d be disappointed if he didn’t get a slot as I think he’ll be one of the big chances.
“He’s a very, very good horse and the maturity that has come through suggests he’s got even better.”
Amelia’s Jewel, Oscar’s Fortune and King Of Sparta have been confirmed to run in the Quokka on April 20.
More Racing News
Caulfield Cup fall victim Half Yours is back home and doing well
Good news has emerged regarding the riders involved in the Caulfield Cup, with the Victorian Jockeys Association reporting both have been discharged from hospital.Mark Zahra and Jye McNeil were transported to the Alfred Hospital after a dramatic fall during the Caulfield Cup on Saturday.The sequence of events saw Half Yours,...
Mr Brightside's Flemington Mile participation uncertain
The Lindsay Park training outfit, comprising Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, will hold off on confirming Mr Brightside's start at Flemington until the acceptance stage.Mr Brightside is expected to be nominated for the Group 2 Kia Ora Stud Mile (1600m) this Saturday, though Ben Hayes indicated he is only...
Warwoven's Cox Plate Prospects to be Decided by King's Ride
Melbourne's racing scene is abuzz as Sydney jockey Rachel King prepares to reunite with Warwoven for a crucial track gallop. This workout is designed to give the final go-ahead for the Bjorn Baker-trained colt's potential entry into the esteemed Cox Plate at Flemington.King, who celebrated a Caulfield Guineas victory aboard...
Infancy's The Invitation prospects while in foal
Dual stakes winner Infancy is eagerly awaiting a potential start in the $2 million The Invitation at Randwick, a race that could significantly boost her career accolades before she transitions to her role as a broodmare.The six-year-old mare has recently been served by the promising young sire Anamoe. Her trainer,...
Tempted claims The Everest crown in thrilling renewal
The tenth running of The Everest delivered a familiar outcome at the top but with a new champion crowned, as Tempted outdueled Ka Ying Rising before a record-breaking crowd of 52,110.For trainer Ciaron Maher, this victory represents his second success in The Everest, building on Bella Nipotina's triumph in 2024....
Autumn Glow's flawless Sydney spring culminates in King Charles triumph
Autumn Glow smoothly assumed the lead in the prestigious Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) as the field turned for home, just as Ceolwulf began to mount a challenge.Trainer Chris Waller reportedly turned to jockey Darren Beadman and inquired, "Are we in trouble?" Beadman's swift reply was,...
Gavin Bedggood celebrates biggest win as Kingswood triumphs in Caulfield Cup
Trainer Gavin Bedggood has achieved his career-defining success with Kingswood winning the Caulfield Cup.The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday was claimed by the UK-bred import Kingswood, marking Bedggood's most significant achievement, eclipsing his previous best in the 2024 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley.Bedggood, who was a proficient jumps...
Apocalyptic finds her best form in the Silver Eagle
While it was a supporting event on The Everest undercard, Apocalyptic's triumphant return to the winner's circle on Saturday was a considerable achievement for trainer Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry.The mare, a Group 1 victor of last year's Flight Stakes, had been underperforming in the autumn and her initial...
War Machine back in winning form at Caulfield
A great deal has transpired for War Machine over the past twelve months.On the equivalent weekend last year, the horse trained by Ben, Will, and Jd Hayes, War Machine, was competing in Sydney for The Everest.While the results didn't align with the Lindsay Park trainers' aspirations, War Machine had entered...
Saintly Dancer's Thousand Guineas triumph highlights Shinn's comeback
Jockey Blake Shinn has celebrated his first Group 1 win since recovering from a significant leg injury, as Saintly Dancer dictated terms from the front to capture the Thousand Guineas at Caulfield.Shinn endured a fractured leg from a fall during last year's Melbourne Cup and made his return to competitive...