Joke Maker

Under the conditioning of trainer Rodolphe Brisset and carrying the silks of Naoya Yoshida, Joke Maker has emerged as a model of consistency among two-year-old fillies. The bay juvenile, whose lineage combines sire Practical Joke with dam Swan of the Nile (by Pioneerof the Nile), has assembled a respectable in-the-money record of 0-1-2 through her initial three appearances while accumulating $45,572 in earnings.

Her latest outing in Pocahontas Stakes company at Churchill Downs on September 13 demonstrated her evolving capabilities. After breaking cleanly from the fourth gate position, she advanced four paths off the rail around the bend and momentarily challenged for supremacy before ultimately securing third position, 7.75 lengths behind the victor. This effort followed her educational third-place showing at Ellis Park in August and her promising runner-up performance at Horseshoe Indianapolis in July, where she closed with determination to finish just one length shy of victory.

Examining her distance capabilities through pedigree analysis reveals promising indicators for route racing. Her paternal influence Practical Joke, a multiple Grade 1 winner particularly effective at seven furlongs, contributes tactical speed, while her maternal grandsire Pioneerof the Nile—responsible for producing Triple Crown champion American Pharoah—infuses substantial stamina credentials. This complementary genetic foundation suggests she should flourish when competing at extended sprint to middle distances.

TwinSpires handicappers should note several compelling betting angles:

-- Brisset's exceptional 22% win rate with third-time starters

-- Her consistently improving speed figures suggest continued development

-- Her closing style is well-suited for Churchill Downs' long stretch

For TwinSpires bettors looking toward future stakes, Joke Maker represents excellent value in upcoming two-turn races. Her professional demeanor and strong finishing kick make her an intriguing prospect as she continues to mature and stretch out in distance.