Aussie sprint aces get early sighter

Overpass and Joliestar were the centre of attention at Ascot on Friday as the Australian sprinters completed separate workouts ahead of their respective engagements at the Royal meeting next week.

Overpass is set to be a first ever runner at the Berkshire circuit’s showpiece meeting for trainer Bjorn Baker, who had a spell working in London for German pharmaceutical company Merck.

The seven-year-old has enjoyed several lucrative victories in his homeland, including back-to-back wins in the Group One Winterbottom Stakes, and warmed up for his trip across the globe by finishing fourth behind Joliestar in the T J Smith Stakes at Randwick on his only outing so far this year.

Baker said: “We wanted Overpass to get two things out of today. Firstly, a little bit of fitness with a good hit-out ahead of the race on Tuesday. Then we wanted to give him the raceday experience, coming around the mounting yard and paddock.

“Hopefully, that will help him relax better come raceday, which is an important part of what we do. Generally, if my horses parade well, and they are in the right races, they tend to run well, for all it is a slightly different ballgame here.

“Royal Ascot is one of the great carnivals, while the King Charles III Stakes is a very prestigious race. Added to the fact Australian sprinters have run very well here in the past, that gives us a bit of confidence.”

Overpass was ridden by his regular jockey Josh Parr, who added: “I was really happy with him. I am glad he came here this morning to have a look around. He seemed to take everything in while handling the rise in the straight really well. He had a nice blow pulling up, which gives me confidence that it was enough work to have him ready for Tuesday.

“If moments like this do not get you excited, you are probably in the wrong business. I was very eager to come this morning, just to get that final feel for him. In the past, his final gallop before a race has proved a true guide of how he will perform in the race. To see him stretching out so well and reaching a significant speed suggests that he is in good shape for Tuesday.”

Fellow Antipodean raider Joliestar boasts a formidable record in the southern hemisphere for Chris Waller, with her T J Smith Stakes success her fifth at Group One level.

The five-year-old hopes to follow in the footsteps of compatriots Takeover Target, Miss Andretti, Scenic Blast and Black Caviar, who all won the Newmarket Handicap at Flemington prior to Royal Ascot success, while Waller bids for his second victory at the meeting, having saddled Nature Strip to win the King Charles III Stakes in 2022.

Waller’s assistant, Charlie Duckworth, said: “Joliestar had a gallop this morning over 800 metres, 15 seconds per furlong for the first two furlongs before quickening up under a nice hold for the last two furlongs.

“We are racing a week tomorrow, which gives us time for another gallop next week. Today was more about having a look at the track, pre-parade ring and parade ring, just to familiarise her with the surroundings. It was a confidence-boosting piece of work rather than a gut-buster as she has only been in the country eight days.

“It is pretty exciting and I think she is a worthy favourite, although I am probably biased!”

Joliestar’s owners Cambridge Stud are no stranger to Royal Ascot success, having co-owned 2020 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes victor Hello Youmzain in partnership with Haras d’Etreham. The New Zealand-based operation belongs to Sir Brendan and Lady Jo Lindsay, who were on hand to watch the workout.

Lady Jo Lindsay said: “Chris had the idea of bringing Joliestar to Royal Ascot last year, but she wasn’t quite ready. She has matured since then and comes here having won three Group One races over the course of our season.

“Being favourite brings a bit more expectation, which is not nice because we are already nervous! However, it is very exciting at the same time.

“When Hello Youmzain won, we could not be here because of Covid, so we watched on the sofa at 3am. We had a quick glass of champagne and then went back to bed!

“We alternated the colours with Haras d’Etreham and it worked out that he carried our colours that day, which made it extra special. Royal Ascot is one of the great carnivals, so we are delighted to be here this time and take in the whole experience.”