Top mare Joliestar will have an immediate chance to vindicate her Everest selection when she kicks off her campaign in the Sheraco Stakes at Rosehill.
The Newmarket Handicap winner was this week confirmed to represent the slot held by Chris Waller Racing and Partners, having finished an unlucky seventh for the same group in last year’s The Everest (1200m).
The decision came less than a week after her Waller-trained stablemate Lady Shenandoah staked her claims for a berth with an outstanding second in the Concorde Stakes (1000m), however, Waller said Joliestar had proven herself at the elite level and deserved selection.
“She’s just gone from strength to strength,” Waller said in a statement.
“What she did in the Newmarket was exceptional and to back it up in Brisbane shows the quality she possesses.
“She’s matured beautifully and we couldn’t be more excited to have her back for The Everest.”
Joliestar hasn’t raced since taking out the Group 1 Kingsford-Smith Cup (1300m) at Eagle Farm in June but has a dynamic record fresh.
Having scored a scintillating victory on return in the Show County Quality (1200m) last spring and with three wins from five first-up runs, she is a well-supported $2.25 favourite for the Sheraco Stakes and a $13 chance for The Everest.
She becomes the fifth horse confirmed for a start in the $20 million showpiece, joining Hong Kong champion Ka Ying Rising, TJ Smith Stakes winner Briasa, emerging star Private Harry and big finisher Jimmysstar in the field.
The field for the $2 million The Kosciuszko (1200m) is also beginning to take shape after this year’s winning slot holders were selected in a sweepstake on Wednesday.
Two-time winner Front Page and stakes performed mare Clear Thinking were among the first horses snapped up, while Compelling Truth, Bandi’s Boy and recent Highway Handicap winner So Magnificent were among the others confirmed for starts.
Both races will be run at Randwick on October 18.
