Saturday’s Listed Bob Hoysted Handicap (1000m) at Flemington will be crucial in determining the next move for Oscar’s Fortune.

A strong showing will likely secure his spot in the $5 million Kia-Quokka (1200m), but a below-par effort could see him redirected to Sydney instead.

Trainer Gavin Bedggood is confident in the four-year-old’s condition, and owner Kevin Fowler is optimistic about a return to Perth.

“I’m very much excited he’s coming back,” Fowler said.

“The feedback I’ve been receiving has been very good.

“After his last run when he got caught three wide punching, we put him in the paddock and started again.

“He’s had a good long break and a good build-up into it.

“Basically, we make decisions on where he goes after Saturday.

“The Quokka has been brought up and spoken about.

“I had someone ring me, but it all hinges on Saturday.”

Oscar’s Fortune, purchased for just $5,500 at the 2021 Inglis Digital Sale, has already earned $1.2 million in prize money.

He began his career under Dion Luciani, winning his first four starts in 2023, which attracted interest from international buyers.

Before relocating to Melbourne, he won the Group 3 Roma Cup (1200m) and finished second in the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) behind Overpass.

If he heads to the Quokka, it will be a one-race trip.

“He’ll come back for one run and go straight back to Melbourne,” Fowler said.

“He’ll come back under Gavin.”

Oscar’s Fortune has drawn barrier nine and will be ridden by Mark Zahra for his first-up assignment.

He is currently priced at $9.50 in Tabtouch betting, with Pisanello ($3.30), Midwest ($5), and Spacewalk ($6.50) ahead in the market.

The Kia-Quokka is scheduled for April 26 at Ascot.