Jimmysstar is scheduled to make one of his rare excursions to Melbourne for his spring campaign launch in the Group 1 Memsie Stakes at Caulfield.
The Ciaron Maher-trained galloper has been a significant contributor to the stable’s success, amassing over $8.8 million in prize money from 11 victories and nine placings across his 28 starts.
Having begun his racing career in New Zealand, Jimmysstar joined the Maher stable after a mere three starts, where he immediately found success at both Bendigo and Cranbourne.
Following two more appearances, Jimmysstar embarked on his travels up Australia’s eastern seaboard, competing at Newcastle, Eagle Farm, and Scone.
Jimmysstar raced exclusively in Melbourne during the 2024 Spring Carnival and commenced his 2025 autumn campaign in the city before his travels resumed, culminating in a victory in the Group 1 All-Aged Stakes at Randwick.
The gelding competed in three Sydney races last spring before returning to Melbourne to claim the C F Orr Stakes. His autumn campaign began at Caulfield with an unplaced run in the William Reid Stakes, after which he headed north to Sydney and then Brisbane for four further starts.
Jimmysstar has completed the majority of his preparation in Sydney, including a course proper gallop at Warwick Farm on Monday, preparing for his Saturday return in the Memsie Stakes (1400m).
Maher expressed his complete satisfaction with ‘Jimmys’ preparation, noting that the seven-year-old has regained his characteristic spark.
“His two jump-outs have been very sharp this prep and I’m just rapt with the way he’s come up,” Maher said.
“You could say his runs in the autumn were not right up to his best, but he seems to have come back really well and seems in a good spot.
“I’m really looking forward to kicking off in the Memsie. The 1400 (metres) is arguably his best trip at the moment and Caulfield, he’s got a great record as well.
“He’s raced the best plenty of times. He was very good against Ka Ying Rising over six (furlongs, 1200m) and you would think he’s better over seven (1400m).
“He’s got a good base and has come up well and I’m sure he will make his presence felt.”
Maher indicated that numerous options are available for Jimmysstar following Saturday’s event, including a potential return to Sydney for The Everest.
Jimmysstar finished third behind Ka Ying Rising and Tempted last year after encountering traffic, before going on to win the Russell Balding Stakes (1300m) and the C F Orr.
“He ran huge in The Everest from the wide gate,” Maher said.
“He did plenty of work and it was a very good run at the six (furlongs).
“It’s a path that has been done before by I Wish I Win. He ran in the Memsie and then went back to an Everest and was very good.
“He could also go out to a mile as well. We’ll see how he goes on Saturday, but it’s good to have options.”
For those eager to wager on this significant contest, explore the comprehensive Australian betting sites and their offerings for the Memsie Stakes.