Reigning WA Horse of the Year Jokers Grin is on course for a well-deserved Group 1 following a trouble-free victory in the G3 Colonel Reeves Stakes (1100m) at Ascot yesterday.

Jokers Grin (5g Maschino – Walk In Beauty by Barely A Moment) settled at the tail of the field for Shaun O’Donnell behind blistering sectionals set by Oxbridge (City Place) but there were no qualms among favourite punters on the corner.

That was summed up by race-caller Darren McAullay:  “O’Donnell eases his way to the outside on Jokers Grin who looked to be in second gear.  Here he comes winding up…and he wins again.  That’s 9 out of 12.”

Trainer Bernie Miller complimented O’Donnell who replaced regular jockey Pat Carberry after a first-up victory in the G3 Prince Of Wales Stakes (1100m).  ”He followed instructions and absolutely rode him a treat.  That’s out of the way now and we will just focus on the next two weeks and get the little champ right for the Winterbottom.”

The G1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) on November 29 is worth $1.5 million and Jokers Grin is on the second-line of markets behind Sydney raider Overpass (Vancouver) who has won the last two editions of Perth’s premier sprint.

Jokers Grin is a son of Alwyn Park sire Maschino (Encosta de Lago) and was retained by his breeders Mark Jones and David Gatti who have banked $2.62 million topped up by a seven-figure victory in the Kia Quokka (1200m) at Ascot in April.

His full-brother Cup Night won a LR Raconteur Stakes (1500m) in 2019 and their dam Walk In Beauty has a yearling filly by Maschino and she foaled a colt by him in September.

“I’m blessed to have gained this ride through an unfortunate incident to Paddy,” O’Donnell said.   “What a horse!  He did all the work.  I just had to sit there and didn’t he do it well.  He knows what he’s here for and he’s just a cool cat.”

The Colonel Reeves brought up a double for Maschino after an earlier victory by Asphalt in the Bisley Workwear Hcp (1600m).  Like Jokers Grin, he’s another 5yo gelding conceived at Alwyn Park in 2019.

Asphalt was bred by Bellbridge Park’s Siobhan Campbell and she kept a share with trainer Josh Krispyn after he failed to reach an $80,000 reserve at the 2022 Perth Magic Millions Yearling Sale.  Alwyn Park owner John Andrew can be contacted for further information about Maschino on 0419 929 483.