Debut 2YO Winner for Zoustar

Cambridge Stud’s expensive Zoustar filly Joliestar produced a tenacious effort to make a winning debut in the juvenile maiden (1200m) at Warwick Farm on Monday.

Ridden by Kerrin McEvoy for Chris Waller, Joliestar travelled sweetly outside the leader Ruby Surprise. Hitting the front on straightening,  Joliestar came under attack from the favourite Kitty Chat, who stuck her nose in front at the 200m, but she rallied to fight off the challenger to win by a neck.

Assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth said the daughter of Zoustar has a bright future.

“We gave Kerrin the option to roll forward from the draw,” Duckworth said.

“When the likely leader (Kitty Chat) did not press on, we were happy to bide our time.

“She was very tough late. She was entitled to fold over the final 100m but stuck to her guns.

“Physically, she will be better in six months, so getting her to the races was great.

“Cambridge Stud are big supports, so getting them a nice win from a filly who is a valuable commodity is great.”

Bred by Chris Barham, Joliestar was a $950,000 purchase for Cambridge Stud from the Segenhoe Thoroughbreds draft at the 2022 Inglis Australian Easter Sale.

Joliestar is a half-sister to stakes-placed God Of Thunder and Emperor. She is the fifth winner from as many to race for the top-class Fastnet Rock mare Jolie Bay.

The Group II ATC Roman Consul Stakes winner and runner-up in the Group I VRC  Coolmore Stud Stakes, Jolie Bay, is a sister to dual Group I winner Merchant Navy, Listed winner Setanta, and stakes-placed  Zara Bay.

Jolie Bay has a yearling sister to Joliestar, and she revisited Zoustar last spring.

Joliestar is the 13th 2yo winner of the season for Zoustar.