There’s a bit at stake for Oscar’s Fortune on his resumption at Flemington on Saturday.
A dashing performance or better in the Listed Bob Hoysted Handicap (1000m) and he’s almost certain to head west for the $5 million Kia-Quokka (1200m).
If he doesn’t meet expectations, you can rule out a return home to Perth with a float trip from his Cranbourne base to Sydney locked in as an alternative option.
If Oscar’s Fortune’s owner Kevin Fowler can take anything out of the stable feedback he’s been receiving, he’s strongly leaning towards the first option happening.
Fowler, who runs breeding and racing operation, Loloma Farm, would love to see Oscar’s Fortune have another crack at the Quokka after his third placing 12-months back.
Reports from trainer Gavin Bedggood have Oscar’s Fortune humming along behind the scenes, his claims backed up after the four-year-old stood out in a sharp winning trial.
Oscar’s Fortune steps out again after ending a short first campaign for Bedggood finishing ninth to Nadal in the Meteorite (1200m) at Cranbourne last November.
Fowler is looking forward to Oscar’s Fortune, who hasn’t missed the money when resuming, laying down a strong Quokka marker in the Bob Hoysted.
“I’m very much excited he’s coming back,” Fowler said to Racing WA.
“The feedback I’ve been receiving has been very good.
“After his last run when he got caught three wide punching, we put him in the paddock and started again.
“He’s had a good long break and a good build up into it.
“Basically, we make decisions where he goes after Saturday.
“The Quokka has been brought up and spoken about.
“I had someone ring me, but it all hinges on Saturday.”
Fowler purchased Oscar’s Fortune for $5,500 at the 2021 Inglis Digital Sale and he’s given back $1.2 million in prizemoney to date.
Staring off with trainer Dion Luciani, he burst out of the blocks in 2023 with wins from his opening four starts.
The impressive beginning to his career sparked strong interest from Hong Kong and interstate connections.
Before his move to Melbourne, he scored a best victory in the Group 3 Roma Cup (1200m) and ran a cracking second to Overpass in the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m).
Fowler said if Oscar’s Fortune reached the Quokka, it will be a hit and run mission only.
“He’ll come back for one run and go straight back to Melbourne,” Fowler said.
“He’ll come back under Gavin.”
Oscar’s Fortune has drawn barrier nine and will be ridden by Mark Zahra first up.
He’s $9.50 in Tabtouch markets, behind Pisanello ($3.30), Midwest ($5) and Spacewalk ($6.50).
The Kia-Quokka is run at Ascot on April 26.
Julio Santarelli