Distance query for Gold Rush fancy Jokers Grin

Jokers Grin will be tested beyond 1200 metres for the first time when he tackles Saturday’s $1.5 million The Gold Rush, the closing feature race of Perth’s Pinnacles carnival.

The Bernie Miller-trained sprinter, who won The Quokka over 1200m during the autumn, was unplaced in the Winterbottom at Ascot over the same distance at his most recent start.

Eastern states sprinter Overpass, who was narrowly beaten in the Winterbottom by Libertad, will also be tested over the 1400m of The Gold Rush.

He has been unplaced at his previous two attempts over the distance while Western Empire, who will back up after finishing third over 1800m in last Saturday’s Group 1 Northerly Stakes, will be another leading contender in the rich Group 3 race as will the winner of that race, Cosmic Crusader.

Thirteen horses have accepted for the event, with the barrier draw to take place on Tuesday afternoon.