Baraqiel to The Quokka?

By Connor Scanlon

Is Baraqiel heading to the $5 million Quokka? Co-trainer Troy Corstens believes it is very likely.

Leon Corstens & Will Larkin’s co-trainer confirmed that the seven-year-old’s owner Nathan Bennett has been contacting slot holders to run the 2025 Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) winner in the weight-for-age sprint (1200m) at Ascot Racecourse on April 18.

“It's definitely an option and it's something that we will be having a look at,” Corstens confirmed on SENTrack & RSN’s Giddy Up.

“I know that Nate (Bennett) has been on the phone to a couple of the slot holders, so nothing's set in concrete as yet, but I'd say it's well and truly on the radar for us.

“I'd say we're sort of 70% (happening), 30% (not happening) at this stage.

“The prize money's unbelievable and I do really love a trip to Perth, that's for sure.”

Giddy Up host Gareth Hall was ecstatic to hear this information from the co-trainer, even believing that the sprint could suit Baraqiel perfectly.

“That is exciting because around a bend, that tight track at Ascot, 1200 metres, it looks like it might be a race right up his alley,” Hall exclaimed.

"I'm looking forward to it. It should be a good race, and it'd be better off if they've got a horse like Baraqiel in The Quokka.”

But before potentially heading to The Quokka, he will resume in the Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) on March 21.

“He'll trial (on Friday) here at Flemington, make sure that he's A-okay,” Corstens revealed.

“Pull another blood early on Monday, (make sure) everything's good.

“He's back on track and then full steam ahead for the William Reid.”

Baraqiel is currently $11 with Sportsbet to win the William Reid, while he is the second favourite at $5 to win The Quokka behind Caballus.