Joe’s Joy holds a special place in Richard Litt’s Warwick Farm stable as a sister to his favourite horse and the last in a dynasty begun by her late breeder.
The mare is by Song Of Tara, a Sadler’s Wells stallion Joe O’Gara imported to Australia to serve his small band of broodmares at Tobermory Stud.
The most successful of his progeny has been 2008 Sydney Cup winner No Wine No Song.
Litt is unsure whether Joe’s Joy can run over 3200 metres of a Sydney Cup but is confident the 2400m of Saturday’s Winter Handicap at Randwick will suit.
Joe’s Joy is a full sister to Song And Laughter who was trained by Litt’s father Jim who set up the Warwick Farm stable before returning to New Zealand.
“Joe’s Joy has above average ability and I think she should run 2400 metres,” Litt said.
“She is a good horse who has been very immature. Like a lot of the breed they can be at their best when they are older.
“I loved Song And Laughter but she wouldn’t run past 2000 metres.
“Joe’s Joy can be a little tart at times but if she can run over 2400 metres it opens up a lot of options particularly in Sydney where there is a staying race every week.
“She is the last foal of the mare What A Giggle and Mrs O’Gara will be at Randwick so that’s an extra reason to hope she does well.”
Litt has around 16 horses in work, some he has bought from other stables including ex-Godolphin gelding Handfast who runs in the Benchmark 84 over 1300m.
“He’s a very good horse and he finally has a good draw (3),” Litt said.
“We have a few horses we have bought from Godolphin and Chris Waller and they always come in good order.
“You know they have been well looked after and it’s good for a small stable like ours to have horses that are ready to race.”
Handfast has finished fourth at his past two starts while Joe’s Joy goes to Randwick off a last-start second over 1900m at Canterbury.
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