Rope Them In launches Quokka bid in Albany’s Bluff Knoll

Albany trainer Steve Wolfe is eager for the challenge of dethroning Overpass in WA, as his rising star Rope Them In has locked in a spot for the $5 million Quokka (1200m) at Ascot on April 26, WA’s richest race.

Under the elite training of Sydney’s Bjorn Baker, who is currently on a hot streak, Overpass has been unbeatable at Ascot over the past two years. The accomplished sprinter has secured back-to-back victories in the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) and took home the Quokka title last year.

Wolfe’s promising runner, Rope Them In, is an emerging four-year-old talent who has already proven his ability. He impressed in the Colonel Reeves Stakes (1100m) and made a strong late run to finish fourth in the Winterbottom Stakes, not far behind Overpass.

Rope Them In is set to return to racing this Sunday in Albany’s $400,000 Wellington and Reeves Bluff Knoll (1099m). Wolfe, also a part-owner, secured the first confirmed slot for the Quokka after striking a deal with Tabtouch following strong interest from slot holders.

“It’s very exciting for us and we’re privileged to have the Tabtouch slot,” Wolfe said on Tabradio.

“They called about four weeks ago when we were still searching for interest, and at first, there wasn’t much.

“We got pretty lucky that Tabtouch picked our horse, as they had other options, but it was all finalized last week.

“It’s fantastic for Albany, and we’re honored to represent the slot and the town with a talented horse. I hope he does us proud.”

Wolfe believes the $400,000 Bluff Knoll race—WA’s richest country event—is the perfect launching pad for Rope Them In’s Quokka preparations.

The Playing God gelding recently warmed up with a trial at Albany, taking his first step toward the big race.

“His trial wasn’t exactly what I was hoping for,” Wolfe admitted.

“He’s definitely improved since then, but this race may still be a touch short for him. I expect him to be flying home late.

“I think his best distances are 1200m and 1400m.

“He’s a special horse, and I don’t think we’ve seen his peak yet.

“He’s got plenty of class, and I just hope he can rise to the occasion.”

If Rope Them In falls short in the Bluff Knoll, Wolfe believes Devine Belief, a Playing God filly trained by David Harrison, is a strong contender.

“Don’t forget about Devine Belief,” Wolfe said.

“He’s a very quick horse that Noel Carter and I bred before selling, and David Harrison got the better of that deal.

“Sunday’s race will be an exciting one, with a lot of speed from Devine Belief, Norwich, and Oxbridge.

“We’ll have to sit off the pace a bit.

“We may be the class horse, but we’re going to need things to go our way.”

After the Bluff Knoll, Wolfe expects Rope Them In to have one more race before finalizing his Quokka preparations.

“Hopefully, we can give Overpass a real challenge—he’s been an outstanding horse,” Wolfe said.

“No horse wins forever, and hopefully, this year, we’re the ones to bring him down.”

Rope Them In is currently listed at $9 with Tabtouch to win the Quokka, while Overpass leads the market at $2.75.