Chris Waller’s Joliestar showing strong form ahead of autumn campaign

Following a strong barrier trial win at Rosehill Gardens on Thursday, all eyes are on Chris Waller’s Joliestar as she looks set to deliver a strong campaign in 2025.

The mare convincingly beat out seven other runners over 900m and already looks fit enough to run at Group 1 races.

Waller’s team, however, says he’s not sure which autumn race is best for his mare. Joliestar could have to wait until March to make her 2025 debut.

Top mare delivers in barrier run

Like most of Australia’s top horses, Joliestar has been stabled since November. The four-year-old last raced in the James Squire Golden Eagle at Rosehill, where she finished seventh.

While these layoffs are normal, you never know how a horse will return after the festive break. Joliestar proved on Thursday that there was nothing to worry about.

Ridden by jockey Kerrin McEvoy, Joliestar paced herself before cutting through a gap to cut off Michael Freedman’s Panic and win the 900m barrier trial at Rosehill.

Joliestar’s stablemate Lindermann also showed strongly on Thursday. The Rosehill Guineas winner led for most of the race before succumbing near the end. The gelding still managed to finish third, half a length behind the winner.

Waller eyeing March return for Joliestar

After the race, Chris Waller’s assistant trainer, Charlie Duckworth, talked about the stable’s plans for their mare this Autumn. He stressed that it was important she get off to a strong start in 2025.

“We obviously know she goes so well first-up so we are focused on that and taking advantage of her first-up record,” Duckworth said.

“She has come back really well. We are focusing on getting her to switch off and relax,” he added.

When asked about whether the Newmarket Handicap at Flemington on March 8, Duckworth confirmed that the Group 1 race could be an option for Joliestar.

“She could potentially go that way, but she would have to trial and go to a jump out up the straight if she is to go that way,” he explained.

Cummings colt also impresses

James Cummings’ Traffic Warden was another high-profile horse involved in the barrier trials at Rosehill on Thursday.

The three-year-old colt finished third in his heat, three-quarters a length behind Michael Freedman’s Givemethebeatboys in second and one-and-a-half lengths behind the winner Shezanalister.