Gai Waterhouse’s glamour mare ‘More Joyous’ will have to defy history on Saturday if she is to continue her winning ways in the Group 1 Toorak Handicap.
A winner of nine of her twelve career starts, More Joyous races in Melbourne for the first time on Saturday, a task that has brought many other class gallopers undone.
Whilst her ability to handle the configuration of the Caulfield circuit is still unproven, More Joyous has shown herself to be extremely adaptable and capable in all track conditions.
The main stumbling block for More Joyous appears to be shouldering the top-weight of 58kg. In doing so, she is seeking to set a new weight carrying record for mares in the Toorak Handicap, a mark that is currently held by 'Ripa', who carried 57.5kg to success in 1965.
Even with the big weight, Tulloch Lodge spokesman Mark Webbey says the Waterhouse team are still confident and “There's no denying she deserves that figure (58kg)".
More Joyous faces fourteen rivals in the Toorak Handicap and has drawn a little awkwardly in barrier ten, however regains the services of top jockey Nash Rawiller. Rawiller will be back in the saddle on Saturday after Corey Brown rode her to victory at her past two starts in the Sebring Sprint and George Main Stakes.
With classy opposition such as Sir Rupert Clarke stakes winner ‘Response’ and Mick Price’s boom galloper ‘Spacecraft’ carrying less weight than the super mare, More Joyous’ task looks to be insurmountable.
The weight of history on her slight frame may just end up being the undoing of Waterhouse's glamour mare, but no doubt, her Cox Plate campaign will continue steamrolling ahead.
More Joyous heads the Toorak Handicap market at $2.25, with Spacecraft second favourite at $6.50.
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