Unbeaten Smooth Chino secures slot for $5m Quokka showdown

Unbeaten West Australian local Smooth Chino has been locked in for the state’s richest race.

Trained by the Indianna Weinert stable, the 4-year-old gelding will take his place in the $5 million race in Unibet’s slot, in partnership with Chief Racing.

The Quokka, which is run at Perth's Ascot racecourse, will take place on Saturday, April 18.

‘“Smooth Chino has come back stronger and more mature and is ready to go to the next level having met every challenge we pursued in its first two campaigns culminating in winning the Listed Black Heart Bart Stakes following its win in the Magic Millions WA 3yo Trophy,’’ Weinert said.

‘’We are excited to partner with Unibet and Chief Racing and give Smooth Chino an opportunity to continue its unbeaten record in the 2026 BYD Quokka.”

‘’We look forward to taking on some of Australia’s best sprinters at Ascot.”

Securing the slot and leading hope is part of Unibet’s investment into West Australian racing.

“Securing a slot in partnership with Chief Racing and having a strong, local contender in such a major event on the Western Australian racing calendar is part of Unibet’s local strategy,” said Nathan Reeves, General Manager of Unibet.

“Western Australia is an important market for us, and we’ll be on the ground cheering on Smooth Chino alongside our customers.”

Chief Racing’s Martie Kain said “our partnership with Unibet is special and we look forward to racing the best horse in our slot and promoting racing in Western Australia’’.