Chris Waller, who thwarted Japan’s Prognosis with Via Sistina in last Saturday’s Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m), will aim to repeat the feat this weekend as he prepares Joliestar for the $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m).
Joliestar, a Group 1-winning daughter of Zoustar, is widely regarded as the top local contender in a field that includes the Japanese Group 1 winner Ascoli Piceno and the unbeaten French gelding Lazzat.
Ascoli Piceno, notably, will be attempting to secure back-to-back Golden Eagle victories for Japan, following Obamburumai’s success last year.
Saturday’s start will be Joliestar’s fourth of the season, having kicked off with an electrifying victory in the Group 3 Show County Quality (1200m), before a third-place finish in the Group 2 Sheraco Stakes (1200m) and a seventh in The Everest (1200m), where she was hampered by traffic but surged late, closing within 1.6 lengths of the winner.
“Joliestar has come through her unlucky run in The Everest well; she’s bright and well, and 1500 metres will be no problem,” said Waller.
“I’d just like to see her draw well, and I’d be confident she can bounce back.”
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