Oscar’s Fortune bidding to lay down The Quokka marker in Melbourne
Oscar’s Fortune is set to make a crucial return to racing at Flemington this Saturday, with his performance in the Listed Bob Hoysted Handicap (1000m) likely to determine his next move.
A strong showing will almost guarantee the talented sprinter a ticket to Western Australia for the $5 million Kia-Quokka (1200m). However, if he fails to impress, plans will shift to a trip from Cranbourne to Sydney instead.
Owner Kevin Fowler is feeling optimistic, especially with the encouraging reports he’s received from trainer Gavin Bedggood.
“We’re really excited to see him back,” Fowler told Racing WA. “The feedback from the stable has been really positive, and he’s been trialling well.”
Fowler, who operates Loloma Farm, is eager to give Oscar’s Fortune another shot at the Quokka after the gelding finished third in the race last year.
Bedggood has been pleased with the four-year-old’s preparation, and his confidence was further boosted by an impressive trial win leading into Saturday’s race.
Oscar’s Fortune resumes following a brief spring campaign that concluded with a ninth-place finish behind Nadal in the Meteorite (1200m) at Cranbourne last November.
With an unbeaten first-up record, Fowler is hopeful his sprinter can put himself in Quokka contention.
“He had a tough run last time, getting caught three wide, so we decided to give him a good spell and reset,” Fowler said.
“He’s had a solid break and a great build-up. We’ll make a decision on his next move after this run, but the Quokka is definitely on the table. I’ve even had a few calls about it already.”
Fowler originally secured Oscar’s Fortune for just $5,500 at the 2021 Inglis Digital Sale, and the gelding has since amassed $1.2 million in prizemoney.
He started his career under Dion Luciani, winning his first four races in 2023 and quickly attracting interest from Hong Kong and interstate buyers.
Before making the move to Melbourne, he claimed victory in the Group 3 Roma Cup (1200m) and finished second to Overpass in the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m).
Should he earn a Quokka start, Fowler confirmed it would be a “hit-and-run” trip.
“He’ll race once in Perth and return straight back to Melbourne with Gavin,” he said.
Oscar’s Fortune has drawn barrier nine for his Flemington return and will be ridden by Mark Zahra.
In Tabtouch betting, he is currently listed at $9.50, trailing market leader Pisanello ($3.30), Midwest ($5), and Spacewalk ($6.50).
The Kia-Quokka is scheduled for April 26 at Ascot.
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