Racing
Unfinished business for Joliestar in Everest
A year after she was luckless in The Everest, a more seasoned Joliestar will be given a second bite at the cherry.
The task of toppling Hong Kong superstar Ka Ying Rising isn't the only thing on Chris Waller's mind ahead of The Everest as the champion trainer prepares a three-strong squad for the $20 million race.
Twelve months ago, Joliestar was luckless in the corresponding race, getting shuffled back to last on the home turn before flashing home late to be beaten just over 1-1/2 lengths by winner Bella Nipotina.
She arrives at Saturday's race having subsequently added Group 1 wins in the Newmarket Handicap (1200m) and Kingsford-Smith Cup (1300m) but it is The Everest (1200m) that holds unfinished business for connections.
"Right after (jockey) James (Mcdonald) got off her last year, he said we were very stiff. We should have gone closer," Waller said.
"It hasn't so much been about redemption, it's about giving her a second chance.
"Fortunately, we've got a horse we think is more mature now. Not that she wasn't last year but she begins well, she puts herself in the race. She is versatile, as we saw first-up when she sat four-wide.
"The key is she's a good horse. Let her use her stride and she'll be there at the finish."
McDonald will have the chance to right the Everest ledger aboard Joliestar, although standing in the way will be the horse rated the world's best sprinter, Ka Ying Rising.
Waller has a healthy respect for the David A Hayes-trained gelding and says his presence is wonderful for the sport while also making him an appealing target.
"He's got to bring that overseas rating to Australia. If he does, it's great for Sydney racing, Australian racing," Waller said.
"If he doesn't win, I hope he runs second, and we've got a new world champion."
Waller will also be represented by Coolmore Classic winner Lady Shenandoah, a desperately unlucky second in the Concorde Stakes (1000m) first-up before finishing fourth in the Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley.
A victory by her would come as no surprise to her trainer.
"Her first-up run was excellent and she had no luck in the Manikato (Stakes)," he said.
"She does have the x-factor."
Angel Capital rounds out his contingent and put the writing on the wall with a slashing and luckless fourth in the Sir Rupert Stakes last start.
The winner of five of his nine starts, the entire is yet to triumph at the highest level but Waller figures it will be a matter of time.
"Everyone that has got anything to do with the horse has got full confidence he's a big deal," he said.
"We're just waiting for him to put it all together on the big stage."
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