Oscar’s Fortune will have plenty to prove on his resumption in the Listed Bob Hoysted Handicap (1000m) at Flemington on Saturday, with his performance likely determining whether he heads west for the $5 million Kia-Quokka (1200m) at Ascot.

Owner Kevin Fowler is hopeful the four-year-old can repeat his impressive trial form, following a strong preparation after his ninth-place finish in the Meteorite (1200m) at Cranbourne last November. If he doesn’t meet expectations, a trip to Sydney will replace plans for Perth.

Fowler, whose Loloma Farm runs the breeding and racing operation, is eager for Oscar’s Fortune to have another go at the Quokka after his third-place finish in the race last year. “The feedback I’ve been receiving has been very good,” said Fowler, adding that the decision will hinge on Saturday’s run.

Having earned $1.2 million in prizemoney since being purchased for $5,500 at the 2021 Inglis Digital Sale, Oscar’s Fortune has had a successful career so far, including a Group 3 Roma Cup (1200m) win and a strong second to Overpass in the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m).

Fowler confirmed that if Oscar’s Fortune reaches the Quokka, it will be a one-off mission before returning to Melbourne.

The gelding, trained by Gavin Bedggood and ridden by Mark Zahra from barrier nine, is priced at $9.50 in Tabtouch markets, behind Pisanello ($3.30), Midwest ($5), and Spacewalk ($6.50).