Chris Waller proclaimed Joliestar the finished article after the mare strengthened her impeccable fresh record by securing the Expressway Stakes at Randwick.
Waller admitted doubt as Caballus ($4.60), once from the same stable, took a firm grip on proceedings mid-straight, unsure if Joliestar ($2.60 fav) had the measure.
The mare responded by laying back her ears and grinding forward, collaring the Bjorn Baker charge and striding away to triumph by 1-1/4 lengths ahead of stablemate Lady Shenandoah ($6), who was a head adrift in third.
“She is a true horse now. Last year we were saying we needed her to settle and relax and do the little things right, and she does that now,” Waller said.
“James (McDonald) put her into a beautiful position and tactically, that was great because it was a sprint home.
“Tommy (Berry on Caballus) just about pinched the race. James didn’t go around them, he just stuck to the basics and rode her like a jockey should.”
Plans call for Joliestar to remain fresh throughout autumn, with the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m) on March 7 as her immediate aim, followed by the T J Smith Stakes (1200m) at Randwick in April.
Royal Ascot looms large thereafter.
“She is a foolproof horse. She runs well fresh and hopefully that will be her autumn – Canterbury Stakes, T J, and we might get on a plane after that,” Waller said.
Waller was excited by Lady Shenandoah’s strong finishing burst upon resuming, while Angel Capital ($2.90) needed vet clearance after misbehaving in the gates.
He crossed the line fourth, 3-1/2 lengths away, having pulled hard initially then closing off.
Waller shrugged off the run, insisting the entire suits quicker races.
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“Angel Capital was just a little bit fresh and there wasn’t enough speed and intensity for him,” he said.
“We will stick to our plan to go to the Newmarket Handicap.
“They went slow. I don’t think he was too bad.”
The post Joliestar claims 2026 Expressway Stakes in stylish return first appeared on Just Horse Racing.