Champion trainer Ciaron Maher is set to unveil Jimmysstar’s Everest campaign in the Group 3 Concorde Stakes (1000m) at Randwick, adopting the same method that delivered Bella Nipotina her historic Everest victory last year. The gelding, best known for his success in the All Aged Stakes, will be tackling the 1000m trip for the first time.
Maher explained the thinking behind the placement. “Originally I was going to have a look at The Shorts and then in (to the Everest). But the way he has come up, it just works, I feel. It’s a similar path to what I took with the mare last year. I don’t think he has been over the 1000 but it just works timing-wise.”
In 2024, Bella Nipotina launched her path to Everest glory by finishing second in the Concorde and then running another placing in the Premiere Stakes (1200m). Maher is plotting the same course for Jimmysstar, who has already secured his Everest place courtesy of the TAB slot.
That safety net changes the approach. “No pressure, as long as he’s hitting the line,” Maher said. “If there are a few speedsters in there, which there are, I’m not overly concerned. It’s more about getting him going and then the 1200 should be more to his liking and then he can freshen up into it (Everest).”
The Concorde has assembled a strong line-up of sprinters looking to prove they belong in The Everest field, with Lady Shenandoah, Jedibeel and Headwall among the entries. The three other confirmed contenders for the world’s richest turf race – Ka Ying Rising, Briasa and Private Harry – have yet to reappear this preparation.