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.
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