Smooth Chino can kick-start a two-tiered interstate offensive for Alwyn Park sire Maschino in the LR W H Wylie Hcp (1100m) at Morphettville on Saturday.
Smooth Chino transferred to South Australia with trainer Indianna Weinert after winning the G3 Northam Stakes (1300m) in May and he hasn’t been missed by the handicapper or bookmakers tomorrow.
Despite being asked to shoulder 62kg, he has opened a $3.90 favourite and Weinert expects him to run a very good race first-up. “He will put his best foot forward. He always does. He’s taken us on an amazing journey,’ Weinert told Racenet this week.
“He’s the best horse I’ve ever had, personality-wise and race-wise. He’s changed my life and I’m just so grateful.”
Smooth Chino (5g Maschino – Amorei by Gingerbread Man) earned over $680,000 from just 10 starts in WA highlighted by last year’s RL Magic Millions WA 3YO Trophy (1200m) at Pinjarra.
Weinert races him with Minnie Hall and Brendan Wilken after they bought him from Mogumber Park (as agent) for $40,000 at the 2023 Perth Magic Millions.
Smooth Chino wins the MM 3YO Trophy / Photo: Western Racepix
He was bred by Matthew Reilly in partnership from an unraced daughter of G3 WA Oaks (2400m) winner Moreish (More Than Ready). “We got together and discussed a few options after this weekend,” Weinert revealed. “If he performs up to expectations the Manikato Stakes is firmly on the radar.”
The Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) is worth $2 million and will be run at Caulfield this year on Sunday, September 27.
Jokers Grin will activate a second front for Maschino next Saturday, September 19, in the G2 The Shorts (1100m) at Randwick. It’s worth a lazy $1 million and could be the launching pad for a Sydney spring carnival to remember for his connections.
“He trialled again at Rosehill on Tuesday morning and looked very fresh running second to Robusto,” managing part-owner and breeder Mark Jones said Friday morning. “We’re also waiting for his dam (Walk In Beauty) to foal down. She’s due to Maschino in the next day or two.”
Vision of Heat 1 on September 8 here
All going well in The Shorts, Jokers Grin will head to the weight-for-age G2 Premiere Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on October 3. It’s also worth $1 million and is the final dress-rehearsal for the $20 million The Everest (1200m) at Randwick on October 17.
Slot-holders notwithstanding, Jones isn’t getting carried away after a lifetime in the racing and breeding industries but it’s worth noting Jokers Grin was specked from $51 into $34 with Ladbrokes for The Everest this week.
Maschino (Encosta de Lago) stands at Alwyn Park for a $13,750 (inc GST) service fee alongside Minsk Moment (I Am Invincible) at $5,500 (inc GST). For further information, contact John Andrew on 0419 929 483.
