It might take something special to lower the colours of Jokers Grin at Ascot on Saturday, but jockey Joe Azzopardi has laid down the gauntlet to the budding star.
Day 1 of the Pinnacles Carnival will see a roll out of star horse flesh in five feature races, but the Bisley Workwear Handicap (1000m) is certain to command attention also.
The 66+ rated event will pit Azzopardi’s mount Devine Belief against Jokers Grin, who has emerged as one of Perth’s most promising sprinters.
After notching a hat trick of wins in his maiden campaign in the winter, Jokers Grin underlined star power with a brilliant return to racing a fortnight back.
The son of Maschino stormed home from the back of the field with a blistering turn of foot after spotting the leaders up to six lengths on the corner.
A younger sibling to Cup Night, a winner of three black type races, Jokers Grin’s sole defeat in five starts was on debut at Belmont when fourth.
Looking to maintain the hype and keep his winning streak going, Jokers Grin is the $2.10 betting app favourite, Devine Belief is next at $4.20.
In a field of 15-horses Jokers Grin, a back marker, has drawn barrier 14 for Pat Carbery while Devine Belief, first up this preparation, has gate five.
Azzopardi hopes he can gain a tactical advantage from his starting position.
“I think the barrier brings mine into it,” Azzopardi said.
“I’m not a hundred per cent sure on how they’ll ride Jokers Grin, but we’ll be in the first four.
“She’s going to run home in sub 34 (secs) and he’s going to have to run quick time to catch her.
“If we’ve got four or five on him, we’ll be hard to catch.”
Devine Belief has five wins from 11 starts and resumes after being cut down late by Western Empire in a top trial hit out.
Western Empire, on a Winterbottom path, heads betting sites markets at $2.60 in Saturday’s Group 3 Colonel Reeves Stakes (1100m).
Despite the giant threat of Jokers Grin, Azzopardi couldn’t be happier with Define Belief.
“Her trial was outstanding,” Azzopardi said.
“I’m rapt with the way she’s come back.
“She’s filled out and going really good.
“I couldn’t be happier with her.”
Azzopardi also believes Crippalenko can run a cheeky race in the Colonel Reeves Stakes.
