Plan mapped out for B D Joe's tilt at The Race by Grins

By Adam Hamilton

Co-trainer Steve Telfer is thrilled to have classy pacer B D Joe back home and excited about his prospects in the $1m Race By Grins.

B D Joe had little luck in a recent four-race NSW raid, but won fans with a terrific second to Bondi Lockdown in the $100,000 Lighthorse free-for-all (2400m) at Menangle on Miracle Mile night.

“He arrived home the night after the run, had four days off and felt very bright when we jogged him,” Telfer said.

“As much as we wanted to give NSW a go, the Race By Grins has always been aimed at as his Grand Final this campaign.”

B D Joe secured his spot in the Race By Grins at Cambridge on April 14 when Aussie Lads picked him for their slot last week.

“It’s great to have our spot in the race locked away now,” Telfer said.

“His program will be to trial on March 25 and again on the 31st then run in the Flying Mile at Cambridge on April 6.”

B D Joe, winner of the Group 2 Ashburton Flying Stakes last October, opened his Aussie raid with a Menangle win.

He was favourite in the Newcastle Mile, but didn’t handle the track and kicked his sulky before galloping a couple of times and finishing eighth.

B D Joe then had no luck when seventh in a Miracle Mile qualifier before that second to Bondi Lockdown on Miracle Mile night.