Miller grinning as his Joker is back with aim at the 2025 Winterbottom Stakes

Star sprinter Jokers Grin is back in work and on track for a blockbuster Ascot summer, with trainer Bernie Miller thrilled by the progress of his stable flagbearer.

The son of Maschino shot to fame in April with a stunning victory in the $5 million Quokka, producing a brilliant finish to secure Miller’s biggest win. It was the first time Overpass, the Sydney-based favourite and dual Winterbottom Stakes winner, had been beaten in WA.

“He’s six weeks into his prep now and is going super,” Miller told Tabradio. “He’s bigger and stronger – he’s put on at least 50 kilos during his time off. He looks amazing and feels great.”

The gelding boasts a remarkable record of seven wins and two seconds from 10 starts, with prizemoney already exceeding $2.2 million.

Jokers Grin is being aimed at the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) on November 29. His preparation is scheduled to commence in the Group 3 Colonel Reeves Stakes (1100m), with the campaign potentially extending to the Group 3 The Gold Rush (1400m) on December 13.

“We’ll go Reeves, then the Winterbottom, and if everything goes to plan, we’ll try the Gold Rush as well,” Miller said. “I’m confident he’ll get 1400 metres.”

Reflecting on his Quokka triumph, Miller admitted the experience still feels surreal. “It’s hard to describe – the race felt like it took forever but was over in an instant. It was just an incredible day and something I’ll never forget.”