Those in the Ciaron Maher yard understand precisely the obstacles Jimmysstar faces each time he races.
A product of New Zealand breeding, the horse is viewed as one of the nation’s finest, though his racing tendencies expose weaknesses.
Jimmysstar’s statistics are outstanding: 11 conquests from 26 efforts and prizemoney past $8.5 million, with aspirations to add to it in the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 (1200m) on Saturday.
Of note, Ethan Brown has obtained clearance from Hong Kong commitments to return and steer Jimmysstar Saturday.
Brown partnered the gelding to his four most recent wins and was on board for third in Randwick’s All-Aged Stakes (1400m) on April 18, latest start.
Jack Turnbull from Ciaron Maher Racing, as National Assistant Trainer, indicated the outfit hasn’t been disheartened by Jimmysstar’s surface-level disappointments.
“The only run that was sub-par was at Caulfield and you could really argue the track that day,” Turnbull said.
“Our team have been complimentary of his performances, but it’s been whether he’s copped a bump out of the gates, or whether he’s got too far back.
“I know there was this expectation that he was going to go bang, bang, bang, but unfortunately his pattern is to get back and against that class of horse, he needs to be scintillating to be reeling them off and winning.
“His runs have been good and improving and he will continue to improve, especially poking up to Queensland at this time of year.”
Since the All-Aged Stakes, Jimmysstar has trained from Bong Bong, paddock-sharing with Pride Of Jenni, who won again at Gold Coast last Saturday, per Turnbull.
Travel to Brisbane occurs this week for the Doomben 10,000, barrier 11 secured.
Stablemate Another Wil draws the outside gate 19 amid 19 competitors.
Absent since spring, Another Wil struggled home in Caulfield’s Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes.
The gelding, successful nine times in 18 races, was earmarked for Brisbane Winter Carnival by the Maher team.
“The 1200 metres is probably not his best and it’s not a good draw, but he’s up there and has galloped at Doomben,” Turnbull said.
Ryan Maloney takes the steer, while Warnie has gate nine under Mark Zahra.
Check the latest racing odds for the Doomben 10,000 at trusted betting sites.
