The wagering landscape for the fourth running of Perth’s $5 million slot race is a crowded affair, with a trio of high-class sprinters deadlocked at the top of The Quokka 2026 markets ahead of Saturday’s showdown at Ascot.

2026 Newmarket Handicap winner Caballus is one of the top fancies to take out Saturday’s The Quokka race. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.

Western Australia becomes the epicenter of the racing world this weekend, with 13 elite speedsters set to contest The Quokka (1200m).

Current price action at Ladbrokes shows a split at the summit; Bjorn Baker’s Newmarket winner Caballus and the Robbie Griffiths-trained Rey Magnerio share the $4.60 co-favouritism, while the unstoppable Jigsaw lurks just behind at $4.80 as he hunts a seventh straight victory.

Caballus has been the subject of heavy support following his trek across the Nullarbor.

The I Am Invincible entire arrives on the back of a signature Group 1 Newmarket Handicap win at Flemington.

Tommy Berry, who has partnered the horse for two of his seven career wins, reunites with the five-year-old from the coveted barrier two.

After a brilliant summer that included a victory over Joliestar in the Expressway Stakes, Caballus proved he could dictate from the front at the highest level.

A sharp recent trial suggests he has maintained his peak condition, though the primary query remains the transition back to weight-for-age conditions, rising from 55kg to the 59kg top-weight scale.

Rey Magnerio also finds himself in the box seat from barrier five, aided by the booking of the “Wizard of the West,” William Pike.

The Magnus gelding was a flashing light in the William Reid Stakes at Moonee Valley, making up significant ground to finish only 1.27 lengths off Jigsaw.

Having previously placed in the Winterbottom and won the Group 3 Gold Rush at this track and trip, Rey Magnerio boasts a formidable Ascot record.

A recent trial at Cranbourne indicates he is fresh and ready to utilise his trademark finishing burst under Pike’s guidance.

Meanwhile, Jigsaw continues to defy age and expectations.

Cindy Alderson’s Manhattan Rain gelding is chasing a “picket fence” of seven wins, having most recently dominated the Group 1 William Reid Stakes.

Jigsaw is chasing his seventh win on the trot this weekend!

The only obstacle for the veteran sprinter appears to be the outside alley, which apprentice Logan Bates must navigate.

Despite the draw, Jigsaw’s front-running style and high cruising speed make him a difficult target to haul in once he finds his rhythm on the pace.

Outside of the primary three, the market has moved significantly for Smooth Chino, who has been backed in from $10 to $6.

Smooth Chino is the early The Quokka market mover backed in from $10 to $6 to upset the top fancies!

Prepared by Indianna Weinert, the Maschino four-year-old is a true specialist at the Ascot 1200m, where he remains undefeated in three attempts.

Following a narrow first-up defeat in the Roma Cup, he gets out to his preferred trip with champion hoop Mark Zahra taking the reins.

The Trevor Andrews-trained Luana Miss ($7) carries the hopes of the fillies as she attempts to become the first female winner of the race.

With four wins from eight starts at the track, she showed plenty of tenacity when fourth in the Roma Cup and possesses the tactical speed to make her presence felt.

For those hunting an upset at odds, the Ciaron Maher-trained Spywire ($13) draws the rails, while The Galaxy runner-up Jedibeel ($15) and local track specialist Talkanco ($19) provide further depth to a wide-open edition.

The 2026 The Quokka is scheduled as Ascot Race 8 at 3:45 pm (AWST) / 5:45 pm (AEST).

2026 The Quokka Field & Barriers

Table Credit: Racing Australia.

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