Joliestar shines in G1 Newmarket Handicap to give Waller second win

Chris Waller has secured his second win in the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap at Flemington, thanks to a strategic change of plans with his sprinters.

Waller switched Joliestar from Sydney to his Melbourne base just 10 days before the race, while sending Switzerland back to Sydney for the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes. While the plan didn’t pay off with Switzerland, Joliestar, the $3.40 favourite, triumphed by 1-¼ lengths over Headwall ($14), with Stretan Angel ($12) in third.

Part of Waller’s strategy included trialling Joliestar down the Flemington straight eight days before the race. Charlie Duckworth, representing the stable, praised Waller’s meticulous planning for the victory.

“This mare has already won Group 1s, and we felt she’d handle the weights,” Duckworth said.

This win marked Joliestar’s first race in Melbourne since winning the Group 1 Thousand Guineas in November 2023.

Looking ahead, a potential trip to the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes and possibly Royal Ascot could be on the cards.

Damian Lane, confident in the horse’s ability, said, “When the gap came, she made light work of it.”