Overpass defends Quokka crown
In a dĂ©jĂ vu moment reminiscent of last year’s showdown, Saturday’s The Quokka (1200m) saw the familiar sight of the Bjorn Baker-trained Overpass outlasting local sensation Amelia’s Jewel to clinch consecutive victories in the feature at Ascot, now boasting an increased purse of $5 million, up by $1 million from the previous year.
Guided once again by Josh Parr, the five-year-old progeny of Vancouver exhibited his trademark tenacity, surging resolutely within the final 100m to stave off the persistent challenge from Simon Miller’s contender, securing triumph by a margin of 0.9 lengths.
Oscar’s Fortune trailed closely behind, claiming third place by a mere 0.2 lengths.
2024 The Quokka Replay – Overpass
Reflecting on Overpass’s remarkable feat, Baker, exhibiting his unwavering commitment to the essence of the sport.
“I’m a purist of racing, I’m not going to say he’s a champion yet because we have to do a bit more in the Group 1s. But he is our champion. He’s Ram Racing’s champion. He’s Darby Racing’s champion and has been the stable stalwart.”
“It was a great ride from Josh, he rode him like the best horse. He has as constant form as any sprinter in Australia.”
Acknowledging the formidable challenge posed by the Western Australian racing scene, Baker expressed his admiration for Overpass’s unyielding spirit
“It’s not easy to win in Western Australia, where there are a lot of good trainers and jockeys. I just think I’ve got the right horse for the right time.
“This guy is a bit of a warrior. He never shows you that much, but when he gets into the thick of a fight, he just keeps giving. Wish I was as resilient as him.”
With Saturday’s victory, Overpass’s illustrious record now boasts eight wins and five placings from 26 starts, accumulating over $7.7 million in prizemoney, a testament to his enduring prowess on the turf.