Joliestar ready for another Everest tilt

Star mare Joliestar will run in Chris Waller Racing’s Everest slot for the second consecutive year after being the fifth horse named to contest the $20 million sprint at Randwick on October 18.

Joliestar was luckless when seventh in the Everest last year, only beaten 1 & 1/2 lengths, and has won the Newmarket and the Kingsford Smith Cup since to be in the top echelon of Australian sprinters.

"She's just gone from strength to strength," Waller said. "What she did in the Newmarket was exceptional, and to back it up in Brisbane shows the quality she possesses. She's matured beautifully and we couldn't be more excited to have her back for The Everest."

The Waller slot will be looking for a third Everest victory after winning with Yes Yes Yes in 2019 and Nature Strip in 2021.

Joliestar joins Hong Kong superstar Ka Ying Rising, TJ Smith winner Briasa, the unbeaten Private Harry and dual group 1 winner Jimmystar in the Everest.

Joliestar had her best season as a four-year-old with a blitz down the Flemington straight in the Newmarket followed by being a charging runner-up in the All Aged Stakes and victory in the Kingsford Smith Cup to close her season.

Cambridge Stud owner Brendan Lindsay is delighted to get a place in the Everest locked away before she returns in the Sheraco Stakes at Rosehill on Saturday.

"Joliestar means a great deal to us," Lindsay said. "She's not only flying the flag for Cambridge Stud in Australia, but she's also building a legacy that will one day return home with her to New Zealand. She had already achieved so much early in her career, but now she's elevating herself into that top echelon — arguably one of Australia's best sprinters. To see her represent our farm on a stage like The Everest is incredibly special.”

Joliestar was a $10 chance in Everest betting, which is dominated by Ka Ying Rising as a $1.80 favourite, before being confirmed in the field.