CHAMPION mare More Joyous is set on a collision course with unbeaten stablemate Pierro with both horses recording emphatic wins as their Cox Plate goal draws near.
A day after Pierro easily accounted for his rivals in Friday night’s Bill Stutt Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley, More Joyous took centre stage at Rosehill in search of her 20th stakeswin.
The daughter of More Than Ready started $1.03 favourite in the small field but punting took a backward seat as racegoers and fans everywhere cheered her home to another predictable win.
“I thought to myself at the 100 (metres) I better make her do a bit because I don’t want the other horse (Pierro) fitter than us (in the Cox Plate),” Nash Rawiller said.
“I’m very happy with where I’m situated. She’s been amazing to me for the last four or five years.
“Next year it would be a tough one but at this point time I’m more than happy to be on the great mare.
Trainer Gai Waterhouse said More Joyous would have one more start before the Cox Plate.
“It was just a working gallop. She’s just joyous, Waterhouse said.
“Off to the (Group I) Toorak (Handicap 1600m).
More Joyous’ 20 stakeswin include 8-Group 1 truimphs highlighted by the Toorak Handicap and Doncaster Mile.
