The feature race at Ascot this Saturday is The Quokka (1200m), where the market says it will be a very intriguing contest.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for The Quokka 2026.
The Quokka 2026 Runner Preview:
1. Jigsaw: Jigsaw has to be given serious respect. His last 6-12 months has really been something else, graduating to now being a multiple Group l winner, notably last start in the William Reid. Drawn wide but will press forward and take beating.
2. Caballus: I want to be hard against him. I thought his Newmarket win was quite flattering given the complete front end control he got and the form out of the race, overall, has been terrible. He’s no Overpass so I’m against.
3. Rey Magnerio: Rey Magnerio looks the one to beat for mine. He hasn’t raced since the William Reid where he was far from disgraced in defeat given the way the track played behind Jigsaw. Looks to land in a plum spot off the hot speed and will be effective late.
4. Magnificent Andy: He’s a ripper but 1200m might just be a fraction on the sharp side for him.
5. Jedibeel: Chased with real purpose in The Galaxy and just missed in a blanket finish. He’s flying…just depends where he gets to in the run.
6. Spywire: Country Discovery winner at Ballarat but up/in was dynamite and he took advantage. This looks too hard.
7. Oscar’s Fortune: Ripping horse who will try his guts out but the end of 1200m at this level might just see him out.
8. Rope Them In: Tried hard on the Kenso but was no match for the winner, who had things to suit. Genuine filly but 1200m seems a bridge too far.
9. West Star: Just fair in the Roma Cup and needs to improve too much to trouble these.
10. Sisu Warrior: Strong return when a first up track/distance winner but this is too hard.
11. Smooth Chino: Unbeaten run came to an end in the Roma Cup. He’ll press forward and give his all…just don’t think he has the class/quality to finish it off.
12. Talkanco: Talented filly but just lacks the class/quality I suspect.
13. Luana Miss: Can make a case she wins the Roma Cup with clear air…but beware the unlucky runner in a poor race and for this race, I think that form reference is poor.
The Quokka 2026 $100 Betting Strategy:
$50 Win Jigsaw and Rey Magnerio
The Quokka Field
| No | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | JIGSAW | Cindy Alderson | Logan Bates (a) | 13 |
| 2 | CABALLUS | Bjorn Baker | Tommy Berry | 9 |
| 3 | REY MAGNERIO | Robbie Griffiths | William Pike | 5 |
| 4 | MAGNIFICENT ANDY | Stephen Miller | Brad Parnham | 2 |
| 5 | JEDIBEEL (NZ) | Brad Widdup | Tyler Schiller | 7 |
| 6 | SPYWIRE | Ciaron Maher | John Allen | 1 |
| 7 | OSCAR’S FORTUNE | Dion Luciani | Patrick Carbery | 12 |
| 8 | ROPE THEM IN | Steve Wolfe | Shaun McGruddy | 10 |
| 9 | WEST STAR | Simon A Miller | Clint Johnston-Porter | 4 |
| 10 | SISU WARRIOR | Dion Luciani | Shaun O’Donnell | 8 |
| 11 | SMOOTH CHINO | Indianna Weinert | Mark Zahra | 11 |
| 12 | TALKANCO | Daniel & Ben Pearce | Ms Lucy Fiore | 3 |
| 13 | LUANA MISS | Trevor Andrews | Chris Parnham | 6 |
The Quokka Odds
The Quokka 2026 Speed Map
Think they are going to hum here. Spywire holds a forward spot from the inside but the speed is out wide with Smooth Chino, Oscar’s Fortune and Jigsaw coming over. Caballus led throughout to win the Newmarket…do they opt for a sit or ride with intent like at Flemington?
