Albany trainer Steve Wolfe is eager for the challenge of breaking Overpass’ dominance in WA, as his rising star Rope Them In has secured a spot in the $5 million Quokka (1200m) at Ascot on April 26, the state’s richest race.
Under the expert guidance of Sydney’s top trainer Bjorn Baker, who is currently enjoying a strong national training run, Overpass has reigned supreme at Ascot for the past two years. The talented sprinter remains unbeaten at the track, having claimed victory in the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) twice, along with last year’s Quokka triumph.
Wolfe’s rising contender, Rope Them In, is making waves as a promising four-year-old sprinter. He showed his talent in the Colonel Reeves Stakes (1100m) and finished strongly for fourth in the Winterbottom Stakes just five months ago, closing in on Overpass late.
Rope Them In will launch his return to racing at home in Albany this Sunday in the $400,000 Wellington and Reeves Bluff Knoll (1099m). Wolfe, who is also a part-owner, confirmed his runner as the first to secure a Quokka slot after striking a deal with Tabtouch, following keen interest from slot holders.
“It’s very exciting for us and we’re privileged to have the Tabtouch slot,” Wolfe said on Tabradio.
“They contacted us about four weeks ago when we were looking around, but there wasn’t much interest at the time.
“We were fortunate that Tabtouch chose our horse. They had multiple options, and the deal was finalized last week.
“It’s fantastic for Albany, and we’re proud to represent the slot and town with a quality horse. Hopefully, he does us proud.”
Wolfe views the $400,000 Bluff Knoll slot race—WA’s richest country event—as the perfect springboard for Rope Them In’s campaign.
The son of top sire Playing God recently took his first steps toward his ultimate goal in the Quokka with a trial run at Albany.
“His trial wasn’t quite what I wanted,” Wolfe admitted.
“He’s probably improved a fair bit since then, but this race might still be a fraction short for him. That said, I expect him to finish strongly.
“I think he’s at his best over 1200m or 1400m.
“He’s a top horse, and I don’t think we’ve seen his best yet.
“He’s got real class, and I just hope he can step up to the challenge.”
If Rope Them In doesn’t claim victory in the Bluff Knoll, Wolfe believes another Playing God progeny, Devine Belief, trained by David Harrison, is a strong contender.
“Don’t count out Devine Belief,” Wolfe said.
“He’s a very fast horse that Noel Carter and I bred before selling him. David Harrison was the lucky one to pick him up.
“Sunday’s race is shaping up to be thrilling, with plenty of early speed from Devine Belief, Norwich, and Oxbridge.
“We might need to sit off the pace a bit.
“We might be the class horse, but we’ll need some luck on our side.”
Looking beyond Bluff Knoll, Wolfe hinted that Rope Them In will likely have another lead-up run to fine-tune his preparation for the Quokka.
“Hopefully, we can challenge Overpass—he’s been a phenomenal horse,” Wolfe said.
“He’s going to get beaten one day, and hopefully, it’s us who do it this year.”
Tabtouch has Rope Them In at $9 for the Quokka, while Overpass remains the $2.75 favorite to defend his title.