Odds-on favourite Smooth Chino kept his unbeaten record intact while treating the LR Black Heart Bart Stakes (1200m) like a track gallop at Ascot on Saturday.
Still untapped after six wins on the bounce for trainer Indianna Weinert, he settled into a relaxed rhythm behind fast-moving mare Cessation and then took control with a rails run to win with ease. It also capped the calendar year on a black-type high for Alwyn Park stallion Maschino.
“I’ve never been as nervous going into this Listed race but Austin (Galati) rode him perfectly,” Weinert admitted. “He’s going to the paddock now and it’s scary to think he will be even better next prep.
“He’s so talented and has proved it time and time again. He will have a six to eight week spell and we will have to consider The Quokka although I haven’t received any calls from slot-holders yet. Maybe I will after today.”
The 2026 Quokka (1200m) worth $5 million is the richest race in Western Australia and it will be run at Ascot on Saturday, April 18.
Smooth Chino won the RL Magic Millions WA 3YO Trophy (1200m) at Pinjarra in February to kick-start a career-best year for Maschino (Encosta de Lago). His Champion WA 3YO Filly Machine Gun Gracie won the LR Natasha Stakes (1800m) in March and followed up with a classic double in the G3 WA Oaks and G2 WA Derby.
Maschino fan favourite Jokers Grin took over in April winning the $5 million Kia Quokka (1200m) and he returned this season to complete an Ascot hat-trick in the G3 Prince of Wales Stakes (1000m) and G3 Colonel Reeves Stakes (1100m).
Smooth Chino (4g Maschino – Amorei by Gingerbread Man) was bred by Kevin Reilly and his son Matthew with Brendan Wilken and is from an unraced daughter of G3 WA Oaks (2400m) winner Moreish (More Than Ready).
Sold by Mogumber Park (as agent) for $40,000 at the 2023 Perth Magic Millions, he has now earned over $327,000 for an Indianna Weinert-managed partnership comprising Minnie Hall and Wilken.
Alwyn Park completed a running double on Gold Rush Day at Ascot with Magna’s Choice getting all the favours under Willie Pike in the Morley Growers Market (1500m).
He was bred by Dick Vincent six months before the nonagenarian De Grey Park owner died in May 2022. Alwyn Park owner John Andrew sold him as a yearling, as agent for Dick’s son Peter, for $105,000 at the 2023 Perth Magic Millions.
Magna’s Choice (4g Magna Grecia – Tipsy Moment by Redoute’s Choice) is a half-brother to Group 3 winners Dreams Aplenty (BRC Gunsynd Classic) and Miss Conteki (WATC Prince of Wales Stakes).
Peter Vincent has an Aysar colt from Tipsy Moment on the ground at Wonnerup.
Saturday’s win was also an emotional one for trainer Trevor Andrews and his wife Joanne. He is part-owned by well-known industry identity Ken Gregson who passed away last week.
“The racing gods smiled upon us again today,” Andrews declared. “Ken was a big part of our stable and his wife Helen is also in Magna’s Choice.”
The Gregsons raced the majority of their winners with Isaac Cohen, Ross Drage and their wives. They included Lucky Street (Oratorio) – G2 Karrakatta Plate, The Rising (Flying Pegasus) – G3 Colonel Reeves Stakes, The River (Magnus) – LR Perth Stakes, Palace Intruder (Oratorio) – LR Aquanita Stakes, Private Dancer (Oratorio) – LR Challenge Stakes and Gangsbuster (Blackfriars) – LR Lex Piper Stakes.