Joliestar stamps herself as a serious contender in The Everest 2025
Joliestar emerged as the new danger to Ka Ying Rising’s dominance in The Everest market after powering to victory in the Group 2 Shorts at Randwick.
The Chris Waller-trained mare ($4.80) relished the 1100m assignment, travelling wide throughout but still putting away Briasa ($3.10) by 1-1/4 lengths, with stablemate Generosity ($19) a further length back in third. Favourite Private Harry ($2.15) failed to make an impact, finishing a well-beaten fifth.
“I was flat from about the 350m,” said jockey Ash Morgan of the favourite. “Ideally I think he was just off today.”
For McDonald, the plan was simple: keep Joliestar moving. “I only had one objective and that was to get her into a smooth rhythm. She slid around, albeit deep, but Briasa was the one to beat and he was right next to me. She’s as game as they come.”
He went further, declaring: “She’s a horse that runs seven furlongs and she deserves her spot in The Everest. She’ll make her presence felt.”
Waller echoed the confidence, explaining that her program was carefully planned. “That’s mainly why she didn’t run last week. With four weeks, plus a trial, she’ll be ready to go.”
Joliestar has now shortened into $7 second favourite for The Everest, trailing only Ka Ying Rising in the market.
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