Master trainer Chris Waller secured his second win in the Newmarket Handicap after a change of plans with his sprinters.

Waller moved Joliestar from Sydney to his Melbourne base just 10 days before the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap, while Switzerland was sent to Sydney for the Group 1 Canterbury Stakes.

While Switzerland’s race did not go as planned, Joliestar thrived, delivering a brilliant performance to win by 1-¼ lengths at $3.40, with Headwall ($14) second and Stretan Angel ($12) third.

Waller’s careful planning included a trial run down the Flemington straight eight days prior, which proved pivotal in Joliestar’s success.

Charlie Duckworth, representing Waller, praised the meticulous planning behind the victory, saying, “Chris’ craftsmanship in terms of planning and scheming to maximize potential and value is unbelievable.”

This was Joliestar’s first Melbourne race since her Group 1 Thousand Guineas win in November 2023. Her next target could be the TJ Smith Stakes at Randwick, followed by a potential trip to Royal Ascot.

Jockey Damian Lane, full of confidence, credited Joliestar’s turn of foot for her victory, saying, “When the gap came, she made light work of it.”