Caballus to represent Darby Racing, Baker stable in $5 million Quokka

Newmarket Handicap winner Caballus will head west next month after connections confirmed the Bjorn Baker-trained sprinter will contest the $5 million The Quokka at Ascot Racecourse.

Syndicator Scott Darby said a deal had been struck with slot holder RAM Racing for Caballus to run in Western Australia’s richest race.

The deal was finalised before the horse’s victory in the Newmarket Handicap at Flemington, but Caballus needed to run well to confirm the trip to Perth.

Caballus firmed as a leading chance for the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes after the Newmarket, but Darby Racing is almost certain to rely on Overpass as its runner in the weight-for-age sprint at Randwick on April 4.

The Baker-trained Overpass is a two-time winner of the Quokka for RAM Racing. Overpass is likely to be saved for a Brisbane winter carnival campaign this year.