Chance of a lifetime for trainer Indianna Weinert and Smooth Chino as they line up for the $5m Quokka at Ascot

It’s going to be the biggest day of their lives for Albany trainer Indianna Weinert and her superstar Smooth Chino as they get set to contest the fourth edition of the Quokka, which takes centre stage at Ascot on Saturday. With $5m in prize money, the slot race is as big as it gets in WA and is a huge opportunity for Weinert and her stunning four-year-old chestnut gelding. He has six wins from seven starts in his career so far, his only defeat coming as he finished second behind fellow Albany galloper Rope Them In on April 4 in the Roma Cup at Ascot. The Roma Cup was his first action in 112 days, and Weinert was happy with the performance following that lay-off. “He was probably only about 85 per cent right going into that race but he held his own against horses which have won big races,” she said. “He has come on since then, and although the Quokka is going to be a tough race I think he can do it if things go his way.” Losing his unbeaten record did not worry the trainer. She said if anything, it reduced the expectations on both her and the horse. “It has taken the pressure off me in a way, but it was good that he held his own in the process,” she said. Weinert was also unfazed at being drawn in barrier 11 for the BYD Quokka (1200m) “It’s OK. The favourite and the horse with the most gate speed is Jigsaw outside us in 13, so hopefully we can tap on to the back of Jigsaw in the midfield and stay out of trouble,” she said. With two prolific Albany trainers in the mix — Steve Wolfe’s Rope Them In will go from gate 10 — Weinert said the city was on a roll. “There have always been good horses coming out of Albany,” she said. “It’s a great place to train. “I have always looked up to Steve — so it is great to have the chance to battle it out.”