Overpass wins back-to-back The Quokka titles at Ascot

Overpass has solidified himself as one of Western Australia’s best up-and-coming racers after winning The Quokka on Sunday at Ascot. The 5-year-old gelding won the $4 million race for the second straight year, earning plaudits from his trainer Bjorn Baker, his jockey Josh Parr, and racing fans alike.  
 
The Quokka capped off a weekend full of races in Western Australia in the Western Trilogy series. The Western Trilogy is the only tri-code racing series in the world.  

Overpass retained his title as The Quokka champion on Sunday. The five-year-old gelding entered the race as third favourite at $6, behind favourite Amelia's Jewel at $3 and money horse King Of Sparta at $5. Bjorn Baker’s horse then emerged from a crowded pack to win the $4 million grand prize.  
 
Baker insisted before the race that his horse should have been the favourite all along. In the end, he was right.  
 
This win was Overpass’ third straight win in Perth. He is now unbeaten in the Western Australian capital, leading to some calling him the new ‘King of Perth.’

“Not a champion yet,” says trainer 

Despite his dominant performances in recent races, trainer Bjorn Baker was not willing to put too much praise on Overpass after his The Quokka win.  
 
“I'm a purist of racing, I'm not going to say he's a champion yet because we have to do a bit more in the Group 1s,” Baker said, before adding, “but he’s our champion.” 
 
Overpass has rightfully earned his title as Baker’s and RAM Racing’s stable champion. He has earned over $7.7 million in prize money in his career.  
 
Speaking about Overpass’ recent success, Baker said, “It's not easy to win in Western Australia, a lot of the trainers and jockeys here are extremely good. I just think I've got the right horse for the right time. 
 
“This horse is a bit of a warrior, he never shows you that much but when he gets into the thick of a fight he just keeps giving. I thought you could argue his form is as good and as consistent as any sprinter in Australia and I think he has proved that today. 
 
“It was a great ride from Josh (Parr), he rode him like the best horse.” 

Jockey says second win felt different 

Jockey Josh Parr also rode Overpass 12 months ago in the gelding’s inaugural The Quokka win. This time though, things felt different.  
 
The 37-year-old said after the race, “Going back 12 months I was quite obvious in saying how excited I was in winning this race. It is a different feeling this year coming back, with the horse being the defending champion and being able to win again.” 
 
Parr then went on to praise Overpass and Baker. “I'm so proud of this horse and his team,” he said. “Bjorn is a master of preparing these horses for big races.”