Exciting mare Joliestar made a clear Everest statement with her thumping first-up win in the Show County Quality, now her challenge is to back it up.
The four-year-old has rocketed into $5 equal favouritism for the $20 million showpiece and could firm further if she repeats her fresh effort in the Group 2 Sheraco Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill on Saturday.
Trainer Chris Waller is the first to admit Joliestar must produce a similar standard again to bed down her Everest credentials.
“At that level, it is not just about one run, it is about consistently racing well at that level,” Waller said.
“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 in Melbourne to ride Via Sistina in the Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m), Kerrin Mcevoy takes over the reins on Joliestar.
McEvoy partnered the Group 1 winner to her maiden victory at Warwick Farm last year and has had a long association with her owners, the Lindsay family’s Cambridge Stud.
“I think that is always a big thing when you are hopping on a horse with her profile,” Waller said.
“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.”
Waller will also have strong representation in the Theo Marks Stakes (1300m) with Epsom Handicap winner Rediener, Molly Bloom, Osipenko and Tannhauser all slated to resume in the race.