WIN OF THE DAY
Wow! That was some win by Bernie Miller’s Jokers Grin in the Rock Magic Stakes (1000m). It showed all the hall marks of an above average horse. Jockey Pat Carbery turned nothing into something. Victory looked all but improbable until the final 50m when the son of Maschino burst through half a gap and exploded to the line with a devastating turn of foot.
JOCKEY
If Lucy Fiore is not riding at the peak of her powers, then she must be pretty close. She bagged another three winners: Sixinch Heels, Amaroo Star and Fortune’s Luck.
Arriving with a well-timed run aboard Macciateau and denying Fiore the first four winners on the programme, Jess Valas posted her first city victory since her come back to the saddle.
TRAINER
What a great job Bernie Miller has done with Jokers Grin. A brilliant return. Trained to the minute. The Quokka calls will become a lot more urgent now.
The speed was on, and Luana Miss had the drop, coming over the top of them in the Supremacy Stakes. She’s two from two for Trevor Andrews who last had a win in the race with Denmarket (2005).
Stepping out of the Bunbury Cup, Brian Kersley found the right race for Weeraechoux, who scored a resounding win and continued a red-letter day for Lucy Fiore.
Simon Miller got off to a flyer with Sixinch Heels and Amaroo Star taking out the opening two races when scoring their third consecutive wins respectively.
HORSES TO FOLLOW
Behind a slow speed, an awkward draw and a big weight (60kg) impost, Elite One’s effort to run on stoutly for a close fourth was full of merit.
Ahyeahrighto was digging into the lead of Amaroo Star. He’ll strip fitter and be improved off first run in four months.
Hammarmill made an encouraging return back under the familiar surroundings of in-form trainer, Meryl Hayley.
Perfect pipe-opener for Talkanco ahead of her grand final in the Karrakatta Plate. She hit the line strongly on her return.
Where did that come from? Dan O’Connor’s former eastern stater Keep Reading ran a bolter behind Jokers Grin.
HARD LUCK STORY
Brutal for Be Bardot backers. The chestnut mare was hemmed in and couldn’t get a clear crack at them.
Playing Quest got held up and was never tested, as too War Gem.
Baby Paris race wide throughout.
WHAT HAPPENED
Yes Queen was the spruik horse in the Supremacy Stakes and the raging $1.70 favourite but she never had it her own way challenging for the lead, absorbed a lot of pressure but was game to finish ¾ lengths from Luana Miss. Beaten but not bowed.
Prized Recruit returned lame in the off fore.
Vets gave Terratif the all clear after a plain effort.
BEATEN FAVOURITES
Tawkin Jibberish, Terratif, Be Bardot, Deferred and Yes Queen.
Julio Santarelli