Image: Bradley Photos
Bonny mare Joliestar has put in a smart field in the Expressway Stakes.
Chris Waller declared Joliestar was finally the complete package after the mare improved her already dynamic first-place record by winning the Expressway Stakes at Randwick.
When former stablemate Caballus ($4.60) skipped to a commanding lead halfway down the straight, Waller admitted he wasn’t sure Joliestar ($2.60 favourite) could close the gap.
But the mare cocked her ears back and started working on her knees. She reeled in the Bjorn Baker-trained sprinter to open a 1-1/4 length lead with the winner’s stablemate, Lady Shenandoah ($6), still a head away from third.
“She’s a real horse now. Last year we said we needed her to settle down and relax and do the little things right, and she’s doing that now,” Waller said.
“James (McDonald) put her in a nice position and tactically that was great because it was a sprint home.
“Tommy (Berry on Caballus) was almost in control of the race. James didn’t go around it, he just stuck to the basics and rode her like a jockey should.”
Joliestar will be kept on fresh legs throughout the autumn with the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m) on March 7, her next target before the TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) at Randwick in April.
A trip to Royal Ascot also beckons.
“She’s a foolproof horse. She’s running well and fresh and hopefully that will be her fall – Canterbury Stakes, TJ, and maybe we’ll get on a plane after that,” Waller said.
The trainer was delighted with the return of Lady Shenandoah, who did her best work late, while Angel Capital ($2.90) had to undergo a vet check behind the starting boxes after becoming difficult in the gate.
He finished fourth, beaten by 3-1/2 lengths, after riding ungenerously in the early stages and then making late progress.
Waller was unperturbed by the performance and said the whole race needed a fast race to show his best.
“Angel Capital was just a bit fresh and there wasn’t enough speed and intensity for him,” he said.
“We are sticking to our plan to go to the Newmarket Handicap.
“They went slow. I don’t think he was that bad.”
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