It was the mare Joliestar who stole the spotlight in the Group 2 Shorts at Randwick, overcoming the market’s preference for the boys to score decisively in the $1 million sprint.
Prepared by Chris Waller, Joliestar ($4.80) delivered a dominant display to defeat Briasa ($3.10) by 1-1/4 lengths, with her stablemate Generosity ($19) finishing strongly for third a further length away.
Race favourite Private Harry ($2.15) failed to fire, fading to fifth beaten 4-1/2 lengths. Rider Ash Morgan told stewards his mount “felt flat late,” adding, “I was under pressure a long way from home, I was flat from about the 350m.”
Despite covering ground, James McDonald was confident in his approach from the wide gate. “I only had one objective and that was to get her into a smooth rhythm,” he explained. “She slid around, albeit deep, but Briasa was the one to beat and he was right near me. She’s game as anything.”
McDonald praised her stamina and tenacity, saying: “She’s a solid horse that runs seven furlongs. That was thrilling and she deserves a spot in The Everest. I think she will make her presence felt.”
Waller said the victory was part of a carefully mapped plan. “That’s mainly why she didn’t run last week,” he said. “If we were going five weeks, I’d have thought she needed another run. But today, four weeks, a trial and she’ll be ready to go.”
Following the win, Joliestar firmed into $7 second favourite for The Everest, behind Hong Kong’s Ka Ying Rising who remains odds-on.