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| Staff Writer |
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Joliestar is poised to stake her claim as outright favourite for The Everest following a barnstorming return to the track in the Show County Quality. The exciting 4YO now faces the challenge of backing up that scintillating performance in Saturday's Gr.2 Sheraco Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill.
Trainer Chris Waller is acutely aware that Joliestar must replicate her fresh effort to solidify her Everest credentials. "At that level, it is not just about one run, it is about consistently racing well at that level," Waller remarked. "She has come through her first-up run really well. She was very impressive first-up, she trained on well and it looks like she has gone to a new level again."
With James McDonald fulfilling commitments in Melbourne, Kerrin McEvoy takes the reins aboard Joliestar. The veteran jockey is no stranger to the mare, having piloted her to a maiden victory at Warwick Farm last year. McEvoy's longstanding relationship with the Lindsay family's Cambridge Stud, who own Joliestar, adds another layer of familiarity to the partnership.
Waller emphasised the importance of this connection, stating, "I think that is always a big thing when you are hopping on a horse with her profile. Firstly you need an experienced jockey, which Kerrin is, then it is great for the jockey to have a relationship with the owners – it's a big deal. Kerrin will fit in well."
The Sheraco Stakes has a rich history of producing top-class fillies and mares. Notable previous winners include Entriviere (2021), who went on to claim the Group One The Galaxy, and Haut Brion Her (2020), who later finished runner-up in The Everest. Sweet Idea (2014) added further Group One success in the Galaxy after her Sheraco triumph.
Waller is set to unleash a formidable foursome in the Gr.2 Theo Marks Stakes (1300m) on the same card. Epsom Handicap victor Rediener headlines the resuming quartet, which also features Molly Bloom, Osipenko, and Tannhauser.
The Theo Marks has been a springboard to bigger targets in recent years, with Verry Elleegant using the race as a stepping stone to her Caulfield Cup triumph in 2020. Kolding parlayed his 2019 Theo Marks success into victory in the Epsom Handicap and Golden Eagle later that spring.
As the spring carnival gathers momentum, all eyes will be on Joliestar as she attempts to cement her position atop the Everest market. With a purse of US$10.75 million, The Everest stands as the world's richest turf race, attracting the cream of Australia's sprinting crop. Joliestar's performance in the Sheraco could prove pivotal in determining whether she secures one of the coveted slots in the US$10.75 million sprint spectacular at Randwick on October 14.