Alwyn Park resident Maschino sired his first black-type winner when Cup Night claimed the LR Raconteur Stakes (1500m) in 2019 and his younger brother Jokers Grin is heading in the same direction for trainer Bernie Miller.
Jokers Grin won the Keep The Sheep Maiden (1000m) at Northam last Thursday to parallel Cup Night who had opened his account in an Avon Valley 3yo maiden back in September 2018. “He has ability but it’s a long bridge before we start making comparisons,” Miller said. “He’s pulled up well and will go again at Belmont next Wednesday. Then we will take it from there.”
Facing the starter second time out, Jokers Grin produced a burst of acceleration reminiscent of Maschino for stable jockey Pat Carberry. Eager to go faster out of the gates, he was held in check before letting loose with whirlwind sprint in the straight to score by three lengths. The winning margin was kind to the beaten brigade headed by Uukhai (Snippetson) and Rissoles (Playing God).
Jokers Grin is a homebred for former Yarradale Stud manager Mark Jones and Stoneville-based David Gatti. His dam Walk In Beauty was prepared by Miller and was retired after winning two in a row at Bunbury in February 2013. Her yearling is a Snippetson filly named Another Beauty and she’s back in foal to Maschino off a September cover last year.
Meanwhile, Maschino 3yo Crippalenko won his third city race this prep in the WAROA Membership Hcp (1000m) at Belmont on Saturday. Boyanup owner-trainer Greg Beauglehole bred him from Brookesmebaby (Bletchley Park) who won four in a row culminating with an Ascot victory in October 2010.
Hoofnote: Cup Night was foaled the night Prince Of Penzance won the 2015 Melbourne Cup. He earned over $550,000 and, apart from the Raconteur, also claimed black-type in a G3 Northam Sprint and LR Scenic Blast Stakes. Retired last October, he’s now a nanny for the youngsters at Miller’s stable in Hopeland.
