In-form Sydney sprinter Headwall has earned his shot at a major payday in this month’s $5 million The Quokka (1200m) at Ascot, with connections confirming the gelding will represent slot holders Unibet and Chief Racing in WA’s richest sprint on April 26.
The five-year-old, trained by Matt Smith, was on Monday announced as the latest addition to the 1200m feature, just 48 hours after an eye-catching performance in the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) at Randwick.
Held up for much of the straight, Headwall flashed home late to grab third behind Briasa and dual Quokka champion Overpass, further franking his form after impressive runs in the Oakleigh Plate (4th) and Newmarket Handicap (2nd) earlier in the campaign.
Smith revealed talks with Unibet and Chief Racing were already well underway before Saturday’s run, with Headwall’s slashing second to Joliestar in the Newmarket convincing connections the horse was ready for a big challenge.
“We’ve been speaking with the Unibet and Chief Racing team since his Newmarket run,” Smith said.
“Saturday’s performance just confirmed what we’ve been thinking – that he’s flying and ready to take on a race like The Quokka.”
A six-time winner from 14 starts, Headwall shapes as a serious contender heading west, having proved his credentials at Group 1 level this preparation without much racing luck.
“His run on Saturday showed he can match it at weight-for-age level,” Smith said.
“He didn’t get clear running until late but still hit the line super. We believe he’s peaking at the right time and we’re excited to be a part of The Quokka.”
Headwall is one of three TJ Smith runners now confirmed for The Quokka, joining runner-up Overpass – the $2.50 favourite chasing a third straight win in the race – and I Am Me, who finished down the track but holds firm at $8.
Horse racing bookmakers have installed Headwall on the second line of betting at $6, reflecting growing confidence in the Sydney gelding’s ability to handle the trip and deliver a big performance in Perth’s showpiece sprint.
Horse racing news