Jokers Grin shows star power in statement run

Race broadcaster Darren McAullay eloquently summed it up best after rising turf star Jokers Grin continued his winning ways at Ascot last Saturday.

“He has now announced himself,” McAullay said.

“That was a star performance and he is certainly going to have tongues wagging after that.”

It wasn’t hyperbole from McAullay, he’s had a close-up view from the beginning and joins a growing list of admirers who are forming a big opinion of the Bernie Miller-trained four-year-old.

In certain sections of his fan base there are some who are disappointed he’s not having a crack at the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m), such is their admiration of him.

With his trusty sidekick, Pat Carbery, on the weekend, Jokers Grin won the Bisley Workwear Handicap (1000m) as he was expected to do as even money favourite

But it was the manner in which he completed the task and found the line from an awkward position that’s added to the increasing hype and buzz surrounding him

Lumping 59kg and trapped wide for most of the race, Jokers Grin had work to do to reel in pacesetter Devine Belief, but sprouted wings late for what eventually turned out to be a soft win.

In a decorated riding career that’s spanned nearly 2000 winners and five at the elite level, Carbery has a good handle on what makes a good horse.

He’s in an enviable position to reflect so soon after being the regular partner for star mare Amelia’s Jewel during her Perth reign before she went east.

Six starts into his fledgling career, Carbery says Jokers Grin displays all the signs and traits of being an above average horse.

“He’s got a really big stride and can quicken off that as well,” Carbery said on Tabradio.

“That’s obviously a good attribute to have and that’s what makes them better than the norm.

“A big stride and a turn of foot is what makes them better than average and he’s certainly got that.

“I have ridden some decent horses in the past and hopefully he can get up there.

“He’s still progressing and learning.”

After running fourth on debut at Belmont in May, his only defeat, Jokers Grin has reeled off five consecutive wins.

He will look to improve on his building record when he steps up to 1200m in a ratings race in a fortnight.

Carbery said Jokers Grin will get the opportunity of earning stakes success and validating the hype in the Listed Summer Scorcher (1000m) on January 1.

“It will be interesting to see how he handles the 1200m,” Carbery said.

“The 1200m distance isn’t out of his wheelhouse at all.

“He just needs to continue to relax in a higher-grade race than Saturday.

“Bernie is really happy with the way he’s come through the run.

“The Summer Scorcher has been the plan all along.

“If he feels like he’s had enough before that he’ll tip him out, but that’s the plan, the Summer Scorcher.”