Trainer Bernie Miller is brimming with excitement as star four-year-old Jokers Grin prepares for a highly anticipated spring return, with the Ascot sprinter described as stronger and more imposing than ever.
The son of Maschino captured national attention in April when he stormed home to claim the $5 million Quokka, delivering Miller the greatest moment of his training career.
Under jockey Pat Carbery, Jokers Grin produced a stunning late burst to become the first Western Australian-trained horse to win the slot race, toppling the Sydney-based favourite Overpass, who finished fifth. Overpass had previously been unbeaten in WA, boasting victories in both the Quokka and the Winterbottom Stakes.
With the Ascot Pinnacles carnival drawing closer, Miller says Jokers Grin has returned from his spell in superb condition and appears to have matured further.
“This is his sixth week back in work and he’s coming along beautifully,” Miller told Tabradio. “He’s in fantastic order, and I reckon he’s put on at least 50kg since having a couple of months off.”
“He looks magnificent and has really furnished. He’ll spend another week at home before heading to Ascot to commence fast work. Everything is going to plan.”
A winner of seven races with two seconds from just 10 starts, Jokers Grin has amassed $2.2 million in prizemoney and has never finished worse than fourth, that effort coming on debut at Belmont in May last year.
The gelding will be aimed at Perth’s premier sprint, the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) at Ascot on November 29. His campaign is expected to begin in the Group 3 Colonel Reeves Stakes (1100m) two weeks earlier, before potentially stepping up to 1400 metres in the lucrative Group 3 The Gold Rush on December 13.
“The plan is Colonel Reeves first, then the Winterbottom and, if everything goes right, we’ll have a go at the Gold Rush,” Miller said. “I’m confident he’ll run out 1400 metres.”
Reflecting on the Quokka triumph, Miller admitted the win still feels surreal. “I can’t put it into words. The race felt like it took forever, but it was over in an instant. It was an unbelievable experience and I’m so grateful to everyone who supported us and the horse. It was just incredible.”
