Jimmysstar, winner of the All Aged Stakes, is the latest runner locked into the $20 million The Everest, with the TAB selecting the Ciaron Maher-trained sprinter for their coveted slot.
Joining him in the confirmed lineup are Hong Kong sensation Ka Ying Rising, T J Smith Stakes champ Briasa, and rising star Private Harry, forming what already looks like a blockbuster field.
Jimmysstar shot into the national spotlight with his victory in the Oakleigh Plate before solidifying his place among Australia’s sprinting elite by winning the Group 1 All Aged Stakes (1400m) in April. Currently rated a $11 chance, he’s on the fourth line of early betting markets.
Trainer Ciaron Maher, who tasted Everest success last year with Bella Nipotina—also representing the TAB—hopes history can repeat itself with his new star sprinter.
“Hopefully we can repeat the process,” Maher said on The Big Sports Breakfast.
“He has certainly improved a bit physically from last prep and he had a breakout preparation last time around.
“It’s pretty exciting to get one locked in nice and early for such a big race. We can just plan to have him spot-on for the day.”
Maher compares Jimmysstar’s optimal racing approach to tuning a race car for maximum burst—best when fresh. He plans to launch his campaign with The Shorts (1100m) at Randwick on September 20, followed by a barrier trial, and then The Everest itself a month later.
Standing between Jimmysstar and glory is the formidable Ka Ying Rising, who enters the race as a dominant favourite. Maher acknowledges the threat posed by David Hayes’ champion but remains optimistic.
“He’s a world-class horse and he’ll be hard to beat but he’s got to travel over and everything has to go well,” Maher said.
“I probably hope he’s not quite at his best and we’ve improved.”
It was also a busy Wednesday for Maher’s stable at Gosford, where top-tier runners Light Infantry Man, Another Wil, and Gringotts all tuned up with midfield efforts in their barrier trials.
Another Wil and Gringotts are being aimed at the Winx Stakes (1400m) in August, while Another Wil will later target the Cox Plate. Light Infantry Man is expected to follow a similar Sydney-first path before joining his stablemate in Melbourne’s premier weight-for-age feature.
To bet on Jimmysstar or any other runner in The Everest, check out the leading Australian betting sites for the latest markets and offers.
