Jimmysstar, holder of numerous Group 1 successes, eyes a relaxed autumn build-up for his spring bid on The Everest.
Trained by Ciaron Maher, the star opens his Melbourne leg in the Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield, then proceeds to the Group 1 TJ Smith (1200m) and Group 1 All-Aged Stakes (1400m) at Randwick next month in April.
He’ll then enjoy a break to freshen for the Group 1 The Everest (1200m) over Randwick in October, recalling his third to Ka Ying Rising from last year.
Tuesday saw Maher transport Jimmysstar to Caulfield for work ahead of the William Reid, which lands at the venue March 21 this campaign.
His Caulfield ledger impresses, with Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) spoils first-up last autumn and a Group 1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m) triumph most recently in November.
“He spelled well and I’ve just been ticking him over,” Maher said.
“He hasn’t done a lot, but I thought we could bring him away to a nice surface today and warm the cockles up a little bit.
“He seems great. His condition is really good, his action, I’m happy with it.
“I don’t want to give him too taxing an autumn with a view to having him pretty right for a shot at The Everest again.”
Maher notes Jimmysstar’s superiority at 1400m over short sprints, complemented by a ferocious fresh sprint.
Following third in The Everest, Jimmysstar struck in the Russell Balding (1300m) at Randwick before the CF Orr in Melbourne.
“He got better as he went along and as the distances slowly increased, winning the Russell Balding and then down here,” Maher said.
“The 1400 metres is probably his pet distance, and we keep him fresher for the ones shorter.
“He likes coming here to Caulfield, he’s got a good record here, and the William Reid, being run here, the conditions suit him and the track suits him.
“So far, so good.”
Betting markets for the race in the William Reid Stakes are worth a look for keen followers seeking value.
The post caulfield-trip-to-bring-jimmy-on/881204 first appeared on Just Horse Racing.