Joliestar and Overpass return as Canterbury opens for quarantine

Joliestar and Overpass return from Royal Ascot to complete quarantine at Canterbury, with the ATC adjusting a race meeting to accommodate the spring stars.

Royal Ascot placegetters Joliestar and Overpass arrive back in Sydney on Tuesday and will use the Canterbury quarantine facility to start their spring campaign.

In the past horses have not been able to use Canterbury racecourse at this time of year, but the Australian Turf Club has been able to gain permission for the centre to operate and run a race meeting, while the pair are in residence on July 22.

“They have to be more than 100 metres from others, so we have taken all the necessary precautions for that to happen during the meeting,” ATC acting general manager of racing, Michael Wood, told Betsy.

“The rail was scheduled to be out for that meeting, so it means the starts will be moved forward, and the usual 1250m races will be run at 1200m.

“That will make sure the suitable distance from the shute is kept from the horses in quarantine.”

It means Joliestar and Overpass will be able to use Canterbury in the mornings for the two weeks of quarantine, to stay fit with an eye to The Everest and other major sprints during the spring.

Five-time Group 1 winner Joliestar is favoured to get the Chris Waller slot for the Everest after winning the Canterbury Stakes and TJ Smith earlier this year before her brave third down the Royal Ascot straight in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes.

Overpass was third in the King Charles Stakes before finishing down in the Queen Elizabeth II at Royal Ascot.