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Experienced jockey, Pat Carbery has brushed off any concerns about the wide barrier confronting Jokers Grin in Saturday’s $5 million Kia-Quokka (1200m), confident it won’t dent the winning chances of Perth’s exciting four-year-old.
Overcoming awkward barriers in the Quokka is not foreign territory for Carbery, he faced an identical situation in the inaugural edition of the race in 2023 when Amelia’s Jewel came storming home for second after drawing off the track.
Jokers Grin will come out of the widest gate (13) in the Quokka, adding an extra layer of complexity to what is going to be the biggest challenge of his short career, but Carbery is unperturbed and says it holds no fears for him.
He believes Jokers Grin, trained by his best mate, Bernie Miller and considered one of the hottest horses and the next big thing in WA racing, has the class and ability to handle any challenges that are thrown his way.
“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 raced on nine occasions for six wins and two seconds.
His lowest finishing position was fourth when on debut at Belmont a year ago.
A son of Maschino, the gelding is unlucky not to be defeated in two runs back this time in.
He produced a brilliant win first up in the Rock Magic Stakes (1000m) and dead-heated with The Boss Lady in the Roma Cup (1100m) before being relegated to second on protest.
Carbery says Jokers Grin will be at his best for the Quokka.
“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.”
Jokers Grin is a $14 chance in the Tabtouch Quokka market.
Sydney sprinter, Overpass, undefeated in Perth and a winner of the first two editions of the Quokka, is the $2.15 favourite.
Headwater is next at $6, just ahead of local hope, Western Empire ($6.50) and Front Page, one of three eastern states raiders at $8.50.
Overpass and Headwall finished second and third respectively behind Briasa in the T.J.Smith Stakes (1200m) at Randwick three weeks ago.
Carbery has healthy respect for Overpass but thinks Headwall will present the biggest challenge to Jokers Grin.
“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.”
Julio Santarelli