Ascot hopes on track with star mare

Our outstanding short course performer Joliestar kept the Royal Ascot dream alive with further top-flight success at Randwick.

The daughter of Zoustar added the G1 Canterbury Stakes to her record to maintain winning momentum toward an international campaign.

“We know the date she's leaving and everything like that so that's how far we've gone into the program,” trainer Chris Waller said.

“Every race you've got to come back safe and do the little things right and keep her good form.

“She’s a great mare and come back much stronger. She’s been unlucky in some of the big ones, but this was her day and she’ll got to the TJ Smith Stakes (G1, 1200m) next.”

Joliestar is now unbeaten this preparation after landing the G2 Expressway Stakes last time out and defeating subsequent G1 Lightning Handicap winner Caballus.

As usual, the five-year-old was given a perfect run in the one-one by James McDonald and the mare lengthened stride when asked to put the issue beyond doubt.

It was her fourth victory at Group 1 level following previous successes in the Newmarket Handicap, Kingsford Smith Cup and the Thousand Guineas at the highest level.

“It was pretty special and all credit to Chris and his team,” McDonald said. "They are always turned out immaculately, they are here to win and as long as we get a little bit of luck throughout the race they do the job."

Joliestar was bred by Chris Barham and we purchased her for A$950,000 out of Segenhoe Stud’s draft at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.

We also bought her half-sister by Anamoe for A$470,000 at this year’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

They are out of the Fastnet Rock mare Jolie Bay, who won the G2 Roman Consul Stakes and finished runner-up in the G1 Coolmore Stud Stakes, and is a sister to the Australian and international Group 1 winner and stallion Merchant Navy.

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