Cambridge Stud’s Group One winner Joliestar added further black-type to her burgeoning record when taking out the Gr.3 Show County Quality (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday.
The beautifully related daughter of Zoustar proved a class above her rivals in the Sydney feature, with rider James McDonald enjoying an easy time in the saddle aboard the Chris Waller-trained four-year-old.
Joliestar was outstanding during her spring campaign for owners Brendan and Jo Lindsay, culminating in her success in the Gr.1 Thousand Guineas (1600m), and they are now daring to dream she can add to her record at the highest level with a tilt at the A$20 million The Everest (1200m) also on the radar.
“It does help with looking toward slot interest but most importantly, we’ll see how she comes through it and wherever she goes, she’s going to be a star,” Waller said.
“She’s very good and she’s well named. The owners Brendan and Jo have looked after her so well and have been so patient and they’re reaping the rewards now.”
Joliestar hadn’t raced since she claimed the Gr.2 Arrowfield 3YO Sprint (1200m) in the autumn and two trials had her primed for a stunning first-up performance.
She idled along in midfield away from the fence and McDonald was in the fun zone a long way from home as they careered away to score untouched by nearly three lengths.
“I expected her to win, but not with that much ease, she executed really well,” he said. “She’d been working like a really, really good horse at home and it’s been hard work containing her, but they’ve done a really good job. It’s been really nice to let the shackles off, so to speak and let her rip.
“It’ll be interesting to see where the boss man places her, she’s got some big targets, she could go for anything.”
Joliestar was bred by Chris Barham and offered through the Segenhoe draft at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale where the Lindsays went to A$950,000 to secure the blueblood.
She is a daughter of the Fastnet Rock mare Jolie Bay, who won the Gr.2 Roman Consul Stakes (1200m) and finished runner-up in the Gr.1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m), and is a sister to the Australian and international Group One winner and stallion Merchant Navy.
All five of Jolie Bay’s progeny to race have been successful and includes the stakes performers Emperor and God Of Thunder.
– NZ Racing Desk
