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).
More Racing News
Sir Kingsford's local Cups campaign begins at Morphettville Parks
A pursuit of a Melbourne Cup start has been abandoned for the South Australian galloper Sir Kingsford, who will now focus his attention on local Cup races.After securing second place in the Port Adelaide Cup at Morphettville in May, Sir Kingsford then travelled to Flemington to compete in the Andrew...
Nearco Frod seeks fifth win in a row at Sandown
The training partnership of Tony and Calvin McEvoy possesses a thorough understanding of equine development.Last year, after a period spent in the warmer climate of Queensland, Half Yours returned to claim a double in the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.Half Yours is once again bound for the Melbourne Cup, with a...
Signature Scent primed for Carlyon Stakes challenge
A 1000m dash at Stakes level has been on the radar for Signature Scent for some time, according to the Ciaron Maher stable.Notwithstanding a recent failure to place in a three-year-old event, the stable sees no impediment to her contesting the Group 3 Carlyon Stakes (1000m) at Sandown this Saturday.Having...
Idle Flyer's Spring Carnival Path Tested in Winx Stakes
Trainer Matthew Smith is keen to assess Idle Flyer's capabilities against top competition as she begins her spring campaign in the Winx Stakes at Randwick, with the Cox Plate looming as a potential target.After a dominant performance in the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) in the autumn,...
Apocalyptic primed for Randwick return, says Berry
Just as Ninja made a statement with his Missile Stakes win two weeks ago, stablemate Apocalyptic will be on a mission to do the same when she launches her campaign in the Toy Show Quality at Randwick.Dominant in the Princess Series as a spring three-year-old, Apocalyptic performed below expectations in...
Almairac's Adelaide venture after frustrating draws
Despite a string of unfavourable barrier draws in the past week, trainer Cliff Brown is taking a calculated risk by sending Almairac to Adelaide.Almairac has faced wide gates at recent starts, including last Saturday in Sydney and Wednesday at Sandown. On Saturday, the gelding will again jump from a challenging...
Screen Icon's prospects brightened by Rosebud result
Trainer John Thompson received a positive sign from the Rosebud race, even without a runner, which has bolstered his confidence for Screen Icon's upcoming appearance in the Silver Shadow Stakes at Randwick.The recent running of the Rosebud saw Chilly Girl emerge victorious, finishing a half-length ahead of Screen Icon in...
Ceolwulf poised for spring resurgence
Trainer Joe Pride is optimistic about the return to form for Ceolwulf, a four-time Group One winner, after an abbreviated autumn campaign.The star miler, who had his spring campaign cut short after just two starts last time in due to foot concerns and a minor bleed, will make his reappearance...
Tennessee aiming for seventh consecutive win
Ciaron Maher's stable possesses a remarkable ability to nurture older mares, bringing out their best performances.One can point to the examples of Bella Nipotina and Pride Of Jenni, who continued to perform at a high level throughout their careers.Tennessee Bound, while perhaps not in the same calibre, boasts a notable...
Rosehill trials feature Headwall and emerging talent
While the Winx Stakes contest between Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi is capturing attention this week, Rosehill barrier trials are also a significant drawcard as several equine stars intensify their preparations for their return to racing.Headwall, a contender for The Everest, will undertake his third trial over 900 metres in...