Joliestar won’t line up in the Golden Pendant and will instead go straight into The Everest without another run after the Chris Waller stable confirmed her for its slot in the $20 million showcase.
Waller issued a statement on Wednesday confirming Joliestar as his group’s Everest representative, and their decision to take her to the October 19 sprint on fresh legs.
She will tackle the race with five-weeks between runs, Waller citing her outstanding first-up record of three wins from four starts as being a key factor in the decision to keep her on ice until then.
Joliestar was among entries for this Saturday’s Golden Pendant (1400m) at Rosehill but won’t be taking her place.
“Following some very good work on Monday morning, she will have a trial on the eighth of October, and then straight into The Everest,” Waller said.
“Both of her last two first-up runs were fantastic so we feel she is best to go to The Everest fresh.”
A Group 1 winner of the Thousand Guineas (1600m) last year, Joliestar returned to score a brilliant victory in the Arrowfield 3YO Stakes (1200m) in the autumn, the same race Classique Legend claimed in 2019 before going on to Everest glory the following spring.
She was again dynamic in taking out the Show County Quality (1200m) first-up in August, before her solid third to Sunshine In Paris in the Sheraco Stakes (1200m) last start.
The winner of half of her eight starts and yet to miss a top-three finish, Joliestar is an $11 chance with bookies in Everest markets and Waller believes her best is still to come.
“She is a mare that looks to have all before her and we are delighted to have her represent our slot in the world’s richest turf race,” Waller said.
Confirmation of Joliestar’s spot in The Everest (1200m) follows news on Tuesday that Stefi Magnetica will represent Newgate and GPI Racing.
The Stradbroke Handicap winner resumed with a slashing second to I Am Me in The Shorts (1100m) at Randwick on Saturday and like Joliestar, is expected to go into the feature without another run.
Apprentice Zac Lloyd, who captured his first Group 1 win aboard the Bjorn Baker-trained sprinter in the Stradbroke, has been confirmed for the mount.
“She showed in The Shorts that she is still on an upward trajectory and the best is yet to come,” Baker said.
“Zac Lloyd shares my confidence in her ability and she will be at her peak on Everest day.”
Stefi Magnetica is a $13 chance with I Wish I Win the $5 Everest favourite with betting sites.
The latter will have his final lead-up in the Group 1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) under lights at Moonee Valley on Friday.