Jockey Pat Carbery is confident that the wide barrier draw for Jokers Grin in Saturday’s $5 million Kia-Quokka won’t hinder the four-year-old’s chances, despite the added challenge.
Carbery, who faced a similar situation in the inaugural Quokka with Amelia’s Jewel in 2023, believes Jokers Grin, trained by his close friend Bernie Miller, has the class and ability to overcome the obstacle. The gelding will start from the widest gate (13), but Carbery remains untroubled.
“It’s not the preferred barrier, but that’s the way it is, and we’ll work it out,” Carbery said. “Luck always plays a part in bigger races, but I just know the horse is going good.”
Jokers Grin has been in outstanding form, with six wins and two second-place finishes from nine starts. His most recent efforts include a brilliant win in the Rock Magic Stakes and a dead-heat in the Roma Cup, where he was later relegated to second on protest.
Carbery is optimistic about Jokers Grin’s chances in the Quokka, saying, “The plan was to peak on Quokka Day,” and adding that the horse is in top condition for this race.
Jokers Grin is currently a $14 chance, with Sydney sprinter Overpass the $2.15 favourite. Carbery also rates Headwall, another Sydney contender, as a significant rival.
“Overpass is not the only horse to beat,” Carbery said. “I reckon the other Sydney horse is the one to beat.”