KEY POINTS:
Transtasman trainer Mike Moroney has declared Jokers Wild back to his best for another group one tilt tomorrow, but is still keeping a wary eye on the Adelaide weather.
Jokers Wild, a dual New Zealand group-one winner, is a 56kg topweight for the A$300,000 ($335,000) Goodwood Handicap (1200m) at Morphettville.
It will be the 3-year-old colt's first start since finishing last of six behind Haradasun in the George Ryder Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill in Sydney on March 31.
The hoof abscess which hampered Jokers Wild during and after that run had fully cleared up, Moroney said.
"He seems very well. He's going to be very competitive and I think he's well over the odds," Moroney said.
Jokers Wild was yesterday an $18 chance on the New South Wales TAB. Consistent Adelaide galloper Royal Ida, beaten favourite in last year's race, was a $5 favourite.
Moroney was keeping a close watch on the weather, but with the track currently rated dead and only scattered showers forecast, the colt was to make the float trip from his Flemington stables in Melbourne last night.
He would be scratched if further rain forced a track downgrade to slow.
Moroney had a slight concern over Jokers Wild carrying topweight under the set weights and penalties scale in the race, but admitted the horse had earned it.
"He's weighted right up to his best but he's a group one winner, one of only two in the race."
The other is David Hayes' former Blue Diamond Stakes winner Nadeem, a $14 chance.
Jockey Nash Rawiller will take the mount on Jokers Wild, who starts from barrier 10 in the 20-horse field.
Jokers Wild has had two Australian starts, the first when a close third to star filly Miss Finland and Casino Prince in the Australian Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield in March.
- NZPA
