PROPUNTERALERT

Race: Ascot R8 The Quokka - 1200m Author: Prince WA's richest race has been nothing short of controversial... from the name to the barrier draw earlier in the week, it really has had onlookers wondering wtf is going on over in the west. Despite the controversy there are still fourteen, 4 legged beasts that will make their way round the Ascot 1200m on Saturday and it looks to be a great battle. There is always a preconceived idea that the 1200m at Ascot is hard to win from the back or a wide gate, however in the big races they always crank the speed up and it sets up for those off the speed... expecting similar here. ​TOP 6: AMELIA'S JEWEL: She's the queen of WA racing at the moment and I might be the only one on the planet that thought she was worse off in barrier 9 than 14. From barrier 14 it looks like she'll be able to park in the 3 wide line and get in the moving lane and have an uninterrupted run at them. Gets weight off them, I have tried to be against her every start of her 3yo career but she may actually be as good as they say (despite getting gifted runs always). UNCOMMON JAMES: He's the one that brings in the best form from over east and if they are struggling to make ground like the last 3 weeks at ascot then he will have the pattern in his favour. Has to be one mindset from barrier 13 and that's handlebars down to either lead or breeze, if a few wanted to lead desperately the opportunity to slot in behind them comes into play. BELLA NIPOTINA: This mare will be doing the rain dance ahead of Saturday as she lives for the mud. One of the (few) winners from the barrier draw and can land midfield here and likely hold track position over favourite AJ. With a bit of luck she is right in this. RESORTMAN: Definitely a winner from the barrier draw and comes out of the Roma Cup last start and was a real eye catcher not getting the best of luck in transit and closing off with the best sectionals of the race. Has tactical versatility and a great turn of foot. Think he's the second best of the locals chances here. OVERPASS: Has the Everest form and form splitting Nature Strip & Lost in Running first up last prep. Given the same lead in (two trials) as last prep and if he replicated that run he would just about win here. ASFOORA: Will be doing well to find the ideal spot from barrier 12 and is at risk of being caught wide without cover. 1200m likely sees her out as well but she does have class on her side and with some luck (and cover) she goes close here, I just can't see her getting it.