Polytrack trial preps up Joliestar for 2025 Kingsford Smith Cup
Joliestar faces a tricky assignment in the Group 1 Kingsford Smith Cup (1300m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday, having drawn barrier 13 in the 14-horse field.
The Chris Waller-trained mare will be reunited with James McDonald, who last rode her in the The Everest (1200m) in October. Since then, she has won the Newmarket Handicap (1200m) and finished a close runner-up in the All Aged Stakes (1400m).
Waller elected to skip the Doomben 10,000 (1200m) and instead trialled Joliestar on the Warwick Farm polytrack on May 22, after rain cancelled grass trials.
“She had a soft trial and a good day out,” Waller said. “It was more about maintaining her routine and giving her a quiet day rather than putting pressure on her.”
Joliestar travelled to Brisbane on Monday to acclimatise ahead of the weekend’s race. Waller, who is aiming for his first Kingsford Smith Cup win, also has Democracy Manifest in the field, while Angel Capital will line up in the Fred Best Classic (1400m).
Bookmakers have installed Joliestar as the $3 favourite, with Giga Kick next in the market at $4.40 from gate 10.
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