Joliestar (Zoustar) once again proved why she is one of Australia’s finest mares, claiming her fifth career Group 1 victory in the Joliestar TJ Smith Stakes 2026 at Randwick and confirming her place on the flight to Royal Ascot. The Chris Waller-trained superstar completed an undefeated autumn campaign, delighting her owners, Sir Brendan and Lady Jo Lindsay, and racing fans alike. Today’s triumph adds to an extraordinary day of racing, in which ten Inglis graduates captured stakes victories across Australia.
Joliestar’s performance was a model of precision and resilience. After a last-start win in the G1 Canterbury Stakes and an initial G2 victory this preparation, the 5YO mare carried her flawless form into the TJ Smith, overcoming top-class rivals with characteristic tenacity. Purchased for $950,000 at the Easter Yearling Sale, Joliestar has now amassed 10 wins from 21 starts and nearly $9 million in prizemoney.
“Five Group 1s, what do you say? She’s a champion,” Sir Brendan Lindsay said. “Jo and I are just so lucky to have her in the right stable with the right jockey. To race against the world’s best at Royal Ascot, it’s a thrill beyond words.”
Trainer Chris Waller added, “We planned this well before today. She’s only raced in the best company, and her consistency and maturity have reached a new level. Today confirmed she’s ready for Ascot.”
Blue Door Shines in Kindergarten Stakes
Earlier, 2YO filly Blue Door (Stay Inside) made a remarkable debut in the G3 Kindergarten Stakes. Trained by Bjorn Baker and raced by John Singleton, the filly stormed home to claim victory, capturing attention for her striking performance. Singleton shared the story behind her unique name, inspired by the blue doors of his daughter’s street in Notting Hill.
Profoundly Sets Sights on G1 ATC Oaks
Classic Sale filly Profoundly (Farnan) continued her winning streak, taking out the G3 Adrian Knox Stakes and cementing her place as a top contender for next week’s G1 ATC Oaks at Randwick. Michael Freedman, trainer of the three-time winner, confirmed the filly’s readiness for the 2000m Oaks test, noting her impressive stamina and composure.
Rising Stars Continue to Impress
Plaintiff (Zoustar) maintained her unbeaten record, capturing the G3 PJ Bell Stakes with ease despite resuming from a break and drawing the outside gate. Autumn Break (The Autumn Sun) claimed the G3 Carbine Club Stakes, marking trainer Kym Davison’s first metropolitan winner.
At Caulfield, Ambassadorial (Fiorente) achieved a hat-trick of victories with a first career Stakes win in the G3 Easter Cup, while Hughes (Russian Revolution) added the G3 Victoria Handicap to his record. In Perth, Aurum Belle (Snitzel) continued her perfect start to the season with a G3 Gimcrack Stakes win, and Zoupurring (Zoustar) led an Inglis graduates’ quinella at Oakbank’s Listed Railway Stakes.
Australia’s autumn racing season showcased exceptional talent, with Joliestar TJ Smith Stakes 2026 victory standing as a highlight. Her journey to Royal Ascot promises to be one of the most anticipated international campaigns of the year.
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