With James McDonald in Melbourne to ride Via Sistina, Kerrin McEvoy will take the reins on the Chris Waller-trained Joliestar in Saturday’s Group 2 Sheraco Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill.
Joliestar, a four-year-old mare, is the equal $5 favourite with horse racing bookmakers for the $20 million Everest (1200m) after her dominant first-up win in the Show County Quality (1200m), where she beat Our Kobison by 2.9 lengths. Waller is optimistic she can replicate that performance this weekend.
“At that level, it is not just about one run, it is about consistently racing well,” Waller commented.
“She has come through her first-up run really well. She was very impressive first-up, she trained on well, and it looks like she has gone to a new level again.”
McEvoy, who has a long-standing relationship with Joliestar’s owners, Cambridge Stud, previously rode her to a debut maiden victory in June of last year.
“I think that is always a big thing when you are hopping on a horse with her profile,” Waller added.
“Firstly, you need an experienced jockey, which Kerrin is, then it is great for the jockey to have a relationship with the owners – it’s a big deal. Kerrin will fit in well.”
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