Headstrong Headwall set for 2025 The Quokka

Matthew Smith has expressed confidence in Headwall ahead of Saturday’s $5 million The Quokka (1200m) at Ascot, believing the progressive sprinter is primed to run a big race.

Headwall, who has placed in both the Newmarket Handicap and TJ Smith Stakes this campaign, appears to have adapted well to his new surroundings according to his trainer.

“He had a bit of a breeze up this morning on the grass and looked great,” Smith told TABradio. “His condition’s good. He hasn’t lost any weight, which is important. He just seemed nice and bright. He was sharp and he was looking to do something, so that’s always good too.”

“He looks as good as he did in Sydney. I’m really happy.”

Having drawn barrier eight, Headwall will be having his first look at Ascot and only his second experience racing anti-clockwise. He proved capable earlier in the prep with a strong fourth in the Oakleigh Plate (1100m).

“I had a good look at the track this morning. It’s got a good camber on it around the turn, which does help those horses back in the field. It’s not a particularly long straight, but he does have a good turn of foot,” Smith said.

Reflecting on Headwall’s fourth in the TJ Smith, Smith was particularly pleased with how the horse finished off against elite company.

“It was a really good TJ this year. There were probably eight or nine Group One winners in there. I was amazed to see him still travelling at the 200-metre mark,” he said.

“He used to fight the rider badly, and it took us a while to get him up to 1200 metres. We tried it early in his career in Queensland, but he pulled hard and faded. This time, he’s shown he can settle and finish.”

Smith believes Headwall has what it takes to feature in the finish — as long as he gets a fair run.

“He just has to reproduce that TJ effort. If he does, he’s right in this. He’s settled in perfectly and there’s no reason to think he won’t run well,” Smith said.

Zac Lloyd will take the ride on Saturday, with Smith hoping to find a midfield spot from gate eight and avoid giving too much start to Overpass, who is chasing a third straight Quokka win from barrier 10 and is the $2.40 favourite. Headwall is next in the market at $6.00, followed by Western Empire ($8.00) and Front Page ($8.50).