Wide $5m Quokka draw for Jokers Grin doesn’t worry Carbery

Pat Carbery is optimistic heading into Saturday’s $5 million Kia-Quokka (1200m), brushing off any concerns about Jokers Grin’s wide barrier draw and backing the gelding’s class to shine through.

Barrier 13 isn’t ideal, but Carbery has history overcoming tough gates – notably when he piloted Amelia’s Jewel to second in last year’s Quokka after jumping from a wide position.

Now partnered with Bernie Miller’s star galloper, Carbery is confident Jokers Grin can navigate the challenge and run a big race on Saturday.

“It’s not the preferred barrier, but that’s the way it is, and we’ll work it out,” Carbery said to Racing WA.

“You don’t have control over what barriers you get; they’re the cards your dealt and I’m not deflated at all.

“If he can get on the back of the right one and it’s going to bring him into race, that’s the main thing

“Whatever happens I’ll work it out and luck always plays a part in bigger races.

“I just know the horse is going good and that’s the main part of it.

“He’s going really well, going exceptional, Bernie’s (Miller) happy with him, I’m happy with him.

“His work on Saturday was good and he’s not in the race just for fun, put it that way.”

Jokers Grin has been in superb form, with six wins and two seconds from nine starts. His only defeat outside the placings was on debut at Belmont. This prep, he’s won the Rock Magic Stakes (1000m) and crossed the line first in the Roma Cup (1100m) before losing on protest.

“The best way for me to put it is that the plan was to peak on Quokka Day,” Carbery said.

“Bernie has been ticking the boxes with everything and has him screwed right down for this run.

“He’s as good as we can get him for this stage of his career.”

He’ll face strong opposition, with Overpass – unbeaten in WA – the $2.15 favourite in the Tabtouch market, followed by Headwater ($6), Western Empire ($6.50), and Front Page ($8.50).

Overpass and Headwall arrive off strong showings in the T.J.Smith Stakes (1200m) at Randwick, finishing second and third.

While Carbery respects Overpass, he’s particularly wary of Headwall.

“Overpass is not the only horse to beat,” Carbery said.

“I reckon the other Sydney horse is the one to beat.

“Headwall was massive last start and unlucky.”