UPDATE: In a thrilling return, Jokers Grin clinched victory in the $200,000 Group 3 TABtouch Prince Of Wales Stakes at Ascot today. The reigning WA Horse of the Year showcased his elite talent, winning the 1000m race and setting the stage for an ambitious campaign ahead.
With a strong showing, Jokers Grin, heavily favored at $1.60, demonstrated remarkable resilience after starting from a challenging position. The horse was comfortably third last at one point but quickly surged forward, overtaking competitors with finesse. Trainer Bernie Miller expressed pride in the horse’s performance, stating, “You go and you plan these things and when it comes off, it makes you feel proud.”
The race unfolded as Snowdome, at $20, led a slow pace, but Jokers Grin’s jockey, Pat Carbery, skillfully maneuvered him wide at the 600m mark. This strategic move allowed Jokers Grin to build momentum, leaving rivals like Oscar’s Fortune ($3.40) and Repossession ($6) in the dust. With 200 meters remaining, Jokers Grin surged to the front, ultimately winning by three-quarters of a length.
This victory marks the first step in Jokers Grin’s campaign, with Miller eyeing the upcoming Colonel Reeves Stakes on November 15, followed by the Winterbottom Stakes on November 29, and the Gold Rush on December 13. Miller noted the horse’s potential for improvement, saying, “He’s just going to get better now.”
Carbery, who has a strong bond with Miller, shared insights on the race’s tactics. He expressed concerns about the horse’s relaxed demeanor but was pleased with how well Jokers Grin adapted during the race. “He was really relaxed where he was and even though he didn’t have cover, he was just in a lovely rhythm,” Carbery remarked.
As the excitement builds for Jokers Grin’s future races, fans and followers of thoroughbred racing are eager to see how this talented horse will perform next. The stakes are high, and the racing community is buzzing with anticipation.
Jokers Grin’s dynamic return and Miller’s strategic planning illustrate the thrilling unpredictability of horse racing. With more races on the horizon, all eyes will be on Ascot as the next chapter of Jokers Grin’s journey unfolds.
