Chris Waller’s Joliestar dominates Group 1 Newmarket Handicap

Chris Waller’s decision to alter his stable plans just days before the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap paid off big time on Saturday at Flemington. The experienced trainer opted to run his rising mare Joliestar in the big $1,500,000. The four-year-old delivered big time.

Joliestar finished first by a full length and a quarter to Matthew Smith’s five-year-old gelding Headwall. Phillip Stokes’ Stretan Angel finished third, nearly three lengths behind the winner.

Last-minute switch pays off

Joliestar’s big win started 10 days before Saturday’s race when Waller made an audible to shuffle around two of his most promising horses.

After winning the Group 1 Coolmore Classic back in November and finishing fourth in the Black Caviar Lightning Stakes last month, Waller had initially selected three-year-old Switzerland to race at Flemington this weekend. Joliestar was set to race in Sydney.

A last minute call saw Switzerland got to go Sydney instead to race in the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes at Randwick. He was unfortunately not as successful as his stablemate. The colt finished sixth in the $750,000 race.

Mare wins as favourite

One of the reasons Waller switched his horses was because of the rest of the Newmarket Handicap field. Before Joliestar entered the running, it was a totally wide open field. After the mare entered, there was a clear favourite.

The betting sites gave Joliestar $4.60 odds to win. Growing Empire ($8) was next on the betting list. Two horses were listed at third favourite with $9 chances (Rey Magnerio, Stretan Angel).

Stable praises star mare

Speaking on the decision to move Joliestar to Flemington, Waller stable representative Charlie Duckworth said: “With a Group 1 handicap we were always trying to protect Switzerland’s value being a colt and this mare (Joliestar), in particular, she has already won Group 1s.

“She is a very good sprinter, and it looked like a Newmarket where she might not be crippled with the weights.

“There is a lot that goes on Monday to Friday. It’s not just about getting a photo on Saturday. It’s amazing.

“Chris’ craftsmanship in terms of planning, and plotting, and scheming, to try and get the right horse to maximise their potential and their value is unbelievable.”

Duckworth also confirmed that his team agreed with the betting odds and that Joliestar was the sure favourite to win on Saturday.

“We had faith about the horse being the best horse in the race. That is what we thought going out there,” Duckworth said.

“It made the watch a little less stressful knowing that she does have that electric turn-of-foot because when she is at her best, she is amazing.

“She’s gone full circle now. She’s won a Guineas, she’s won a Newmarket. She’s an amazing athlete and we’re just happy to be involved.”