After a dominant victory in the Rock Magic Stakes, Jokers Grin has been snapped up by Ladbrokes for a spot in the $5 million The Quokka at Ascot on April 26.
The four-year-old, making just his eighth start, surged to victory in the 1000m race despite a slow start and a tricky passage, propelling him to a $8 chance in Quokka markets.
Trainer Bernie Miller, who describes Jokers Grin as a “work in progress,” believes the horse is maturing into a top-class racehorse.
“Patty (Carbery) has always had a massive opinion, and we haven’t really put him to the acid test yet. He showed he’s starting to become a racehorse as well by putting his head through that gap late,” Miller said.
“He’s always wanted to get on with it too quickly, too early and not listen. He was a big, strong boy and we got him gelded, which helped.”
Miller also confirmed that Jokers Grin’s next step will be the Group 3 Roma Cup on April 12, before heading into The Quokka.
“You’re not going to get better if you’re not racing the best,” Miller added, as he aims for success in both the Roma Cup and The Quokka.
