One-time Everest (1200m) favourite, Joliestar, has made a blistering return to work for the Chris Waller barn, cruising to victory in the opening 900m barrier trial at Rosehill on Thursday morning.
The daughter of Zoustar did it comfortably with Kerrin McEvoy in the saddle, as the four-year-old loomed large behind the likes of stable companion Lindermann (3rd), and the Matthew Smith-trained Way To The Stars (4th), with the pair pressing forward to set the sedate tempo.
Joliestar was barely asked for an effort by McEvoy in the concluding stages, holding off the late challenge of Panic (2nd) in the final furlong, who appeared to be surging under the urgings of Regan Bayliss.
It’s the first piece of work for the progressive mare since heading to the paddock after suffering a 2.5-length defeat in the Golden Eagle (1500m) on November 2, and with plenty of options for connections heading into the autumn, Joliestar appears to be back on track to claim a feature in 2025.
Meanwhile, all eyes were on the return of the James Cummings-trained Traffic Warden (3rd) in the second barrier trial of the morning on the course proper, with the Group 2 Run To The Rose (1200m) winner impressing as he closed to within 1.43 lengths of Shezanalister.
Zac Lloyd was happy to coast in the one-one throughout the 900m journey, with the son of Street Boss making inroads under his own steam every step of the way.
The three-year-old colt had a tumultuous end to his spring campaign after being scratched at the gates in the Everest before being unable to make an impression in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) on November 2.
Godolphin have high hopes for their promising sprinter, with the Group 1 The Galaxy (1100m) and Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) likely on the agenda heading into the autumn.
The pair of Joliestar and Traffic Warden are currently $15 apiece with Neds for the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on April 5.
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