Following her victory in the Expressway Stakes at Randwick, Chris Waller described Joliestar as the total product, the mare further enhancing her sharp first-up form.
When Caballus ($4.60), a former barnmate, bolted to a substantial lead halfway through the straight, Waller was left wondering if Joliestar ($2.60 fav) could reel him in.
The mare switched off her ears and knuckled down relentlessly, running down the sprinter from Bjorn Baker’s yard and extending her margin to win by 1-1/4 lengths, leaving stable companion Lady Shenandoah ($6) a head back for third.
“She is a true horse now. Last year we were saying we needed her to settle and relax and do the little things right, and she does that now,” Waller said.
“James (McDonald) put her into a beautiful position and tactically, that was great because it was a sprint home.
“Tommy (Berry on Caballus) just about pinched the race. James didn’t go around them, he just stuck to the basics and rode her like a jockey should.”
Joliestar will stay on minimal preparation into autumn, targeting the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m) come March 7 prior to tackling the T J Smith Stakes (1200m) at Randwick next month.
Prospects include a trip to Royal Ascot beyond that.
“She is a foolproof horse. She runs well fresh and hopefully that will be her autumn – Canterbury Stakes, T J, and we might get on a plane after that,” Waller said.
The trainer relished Lady Shenandoah’s powerful late surge on debut back, but Angel Capital ($2.90) faced a post-race vet probe after acting up behind the stalls.
Placing fourth, 3-1/2 lengths behind, he had been eager upfront before rallying.
Waller took the result in stride, highlighting the entire’s need for races with pace.
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“Angel Capital was just a little bit fresh and there wasn’t enough speed and intensity for him,” he said.
“We will stick to our plan to go to the Newmarket Handicap.
“They went slow. I don’t think he was too bad.”
The post Waller hails complete Joliestar after Expressway Stakes success first appeared on Just Horse Racing.