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| Staff Writer |
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A star-studded barrier trial session at Rosehill heralded the arrival of spring racing season.
Trainer Chris Waller has hinted at Everest ambitions for his promising filly Joliestar, suggesting she may be given a chance to earn a spot in the US$20 million race.
Tuesday's trials at Rosehill showcased a lineup of elite talent, including Fangirl, Via Sistina, Riff Rocket, Tropical Squall, and Zougotcha, all potential headliners for the upcoming carnival.
In her 900m heat, Joliestar, last year's Thousand Guineas winner, set the pace under jockey James McDonald's steady guidance. She narrowly outperformed the up-and-coming Caballus, finishing a half-length ahead.
Before her spring campaign begins, Joliestar is expected to participate in one more trial. While she's proven her mettle as a Gr.1 miler, Waller believes her Arrowfield 3YO Sprint victory demonstrates her versatility, potentially setting her up for shorter distance challenges like The Everest.
“Of our horses, she could be in the Everest picture,” Waller said.
“We gave her such a soft autumn, she had one run, and we chose not to go to Queensland because it would have interrupted the spring, so we’ve got a horse with plenty of carrots.”
A year ago, Waller attempted a comparable strategy with Zougotcha, another offspring of Zoustar, in the Everest race. Though that plan didn't pan out, he maintains that Joliestar possesses distinct characteristics from her half-sister.
“We made the mistake with Zougotcha last year of trying to make her sprint, but I think Joliestar is probably a little bit sharper,” he said.
“We might give her a chance to sprint and decide after that first-up run which way we’re heading.”
Despite a leisurely pace in her 1000m heat, Stablemate Via Sistina finished strongly to claim fifth place behind Williamsburg.
Similarly, Fangirl demonstrated a solid finish under minimal urging, securing sixth position in a heat won by Tropical Squall.
Waller indicated that most of his top contenders who participated in Tuesday's trials would be prepared for race returns in late August.
Meanwhile, Adrian Bott confirmed Tropical Squall's first-up target as the Winx Stakes (1400m) scheduled for August 24.
Alongside, trainer Jason Warren from Mornington is content to bide his time until September before advancing Gr.1 winner Benedetta's case for a spot in The Everest.