Ciaron Maher might have unearthed his next big sprinting star in Jimmysstar, who stamped his class with a brilliant win in the All Aged Stakes at Randwick.
With Everest champion Bella Nipotina now retired, Maher believes Jimmysstar could be the horse to fill her shoes come October in The Everest (1200m).
After winning the Oakleigh Plate fresh this preparation, Jimmysstar returned with strong performances including a bold run in the T J Smith Stakes before delivering in Saturday’s Group 1 finale to the Sydney autumn carnival.
“It is a real ‘come out’ preparation for Jimmy this time. Four runs, all Group One races,” Maher said.
“I was thinking about the Everest after the Oakleigh (Plate). Hopefully that cements him his place.
“The other day, he ran home quicker time in the T J (Smith Stakes) than he did in the Oakleigh Plate and his Oakleigh Plate was blistering.
“He is just a very good horse and I’m sure he will be making his presence felt in The Everest.”
Ridden with precision by Ethan Brown, Jimmysstar ($6) was settled off the speed before launching down the outside to take the All Aged Stakes by half a length over Joliestar ($9). Sunshine In Paris ($15) finished third.
Maher praised Brown’s cool head in a high-pressure race.
“Those big riders in the big races, it’s the confidence. And that is a very confident ride,” he said.
“I said to ‘Browny’, maybe don’t let him have a pick of grass when he’s at the barriers like last start. He may be a little bit more switched on.”
Brown’s performance capped off a memorable day, with the jockey also winning the JRA Plate aboard Bois D’Argent. It’s been a rewarding return to the top following a serious fall in 2023.
“Through that fall and my time in hospital, I was very close to hanging the boots up but there was something deep down telling me that I’m not finished yet and I’d be dirty on myself if I didn’t have a crack again,” Brown said.
In other results, favourite Briasa ($3.90) loomed to win in the All Aged Stakes but faded late, finishing fourth.
“He quickened up well but probably didn’t see the 1400 metres out as strongly as we would have hoped,” said jockey Tyler Schiller.
