Champion jockey James McDonald will ride Joliestar in the $20 million Everest.
Debate had surrounded which Chris Waller-trained runner McDonald would partner with his decision coming down to a choice between Joliestar and Lady Shenandoah.
Damian Lane will ride Lady Shenandoah, while Ben Melham partners stablemate Angel Capital.
McDonald rode Joliestar in last year’s Everest, the mare charging home for seventh, only 1-1/2 lengths from Bella Nipotina.
Since then, she’s claimed the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap and Group 1 Kingsford Smith Cup, solidifying her status among the nation’s elite sprinters.
The pair combined again last month to win the Group 2 The Shorts, confirming her readiness for a second Everest tilt.
McDonald will look to replicate his 2021 win on Nature Strip as Waller chases a third Everest victory.