Why McDonald chose Joliestar over Giga Kick for his Everest ride

James McDonald has outlined the major factors as to why he opted to ride Joliestar in The Everest (1200m) this weekend.

The star hoop had the privilege of picking between the Chris Waller-trained Joliestar and Clayton Douglas’ 2022 Everest winner Giga Kick for this Saturday’s $20 million race.

McDonald has ridden Giga Kick in his last two runs when fifth in the Group 3 Concorde and fourth in the Group 2 Premiere at Randwick, but instead went with the four-year-old mare.

It leaves Mark Zahra to ride Giga Kick.

McDonald was asked by Gareth Hall on SENTrack’s Giddy Up: “Was it an easy decision choosing Joliestar?”

“Not really, no,” was J-Mac’s response.

“Giga Kick is still building towards something. He’s not far behind them and he’s coming off a long layoff.

“I expected him to win last Saturday but he didn’t. I still just feel there’s something more to give from him. Maybe third-up in The Everest will be perfect for him.

“But in saying that, Joliestar’s pretty comfortable with what she’s done at Randwick. She’s been very good there, but she was just a bit off (second-up).

“We’ve seen what Via Sistina did third-up off a bit of a lull second-up and Joliestar is in a similar boat.

“I think she’s ticking over beautifully with a little mid-prep trial. I couldn’t be more comfortable being on her.”

McDonald has ridden Joliestar three times for two wins and a second, including victory in the Group 1 Thousand Guineas at Caulfield last November.

She is currently priced at $6 with Sportsbet, jockeying with I Wish I Win for favouritism.