Overpass on trial for $5m The Quokka

Darby Racing’s Scott Darby says the door has been left ajar for Overpass to run in the $4 million The Quokka (1200m) at Ascot next month.

According to Scott Darby, if the Bjorn Baker-trained four-year-old performs to expectations on his return in Saturday’s G1 TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) at Randwick, Perth’s newest slot race is definitely on the radar.

“It’s looking more and more likely,” Darby said on Tabradio.

“We’re deep into negotiations at the moment.

“Between me, Bjorn and the other owners, we just want to see him run in the TJ before we commit.

“There could something pretty much straight after the TJ, but there are so many trains of thoughts.

“It’s really about the distance in getting over there and back continuing his campaign.

“The money is good and the race looks right for a horse like him.

“I think watch this space and as long as he runs well there is a very good chance that a deal will be done.”

Overpass has had two lead in trials before the TJ Smith, winning a 1000m Hawkesbury heat last week.

A Vancouver gelding, he’s recorded five wins from 20 starts and banked $1.6 million dollars in earnings.

Overpass won the G2 Expressway Stakes (1200m) 12-months back and ran second to Nature Strip in the G2 The Shorts (1100m) six months ago.

Darby says Overpass is raring to go first-up but meets a hot line up in the TJ Smith Stakes.

“It’s looking like a real tough race,” Darby said.

“He’s going really well and Bjorn is rapt in him.

“He’s been gelded and we’ve targeted this race all along.

“He’s dynamic first up, but, gee, what a field. and it’s going to be some race.”

Amelia’s Jewel, Bella Nipotina, Shades Of Rose, Asfoora and Red Can Man are confirmed slot holders for Perth’s richest race.

Darby Racing remain on a high and have their sights set on the Melbourne Cup (3200m) in November after Goldman won Saturday’s Roy Higgins (2600m) at Flemington.