Promising sprinter, Jokers Grin, is back in work with trainer Bernie Miller ahead of his highly anticipated Ascot carnival campaign.
Jokers Grin was one of the finds of the winter season after he reeled off three explosive 1000m victories at Northam and Belmont.
Underling huge potential and a portent of things to come, the exciting son of Maschino wasn’t beaten after running fourth on debut.
Jokers Grin’s brilliant early career spike has been reflected in Tabtouch future markets for the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m).
At $9 he sits behind Sydney sprinter and defending champion, Overpass ($3.50), local gun Western Empire ($5) and Bella Nipotina ($7).
Miller is brimming with confidence ahead of Ascot’s Pinnacles carnival, but despite the possibilities, he won’t be rushed on setting lofty ambitions.
“He’s back in working and looking good,” Miller said to Racing WA.
“He’s up and going after three weeks off.
“He’ll have three weeks at home and then I’ll start taking him to the track.
“We’ll just take him through his grades, but the aim is to kick off in a 1000 metre race at Ascot on November 2.
“If everything goes to plan, he’s well in himself, I would like to have a crack at the Summer Scorcher.
“That will be it and then a tiny little break again and you don’t know what’s around the corner.
“But, he’s looks absolutely fantastic, beautiful and that’s the plan at this point in time.
“I’m very happy with him, but he won’t be going to the Winterbottom.”
Jokers Grin is a brother to Cup Night, a three-time stakes winner including the Group 3 Northam Stakes (1100m) in 2022.
The Listed Summer Scorcher (1000m) is staged at Ascot as the support card to the Perth Cup (2400m) on January 1.
Meanwhile, Miller is optimistic Cisco Joe can make his presence felt in the final race at Belmont on Saturday after a top return two weeks back.
Cisco Joe came from last and ran on powerfully for third behind Captain Pluto and Miller anticipates further improvement second-up.
“He’s showing positive signs after overcoming feet issues,” Miller said.
“He went off the boil last preparation, but he produced super work on Tuesday.”
Cisco Joe has drawn barrier 12 for jockey Pat Carbery and is $9.50 with Tabtouch.