The stable of Ciaron Maher appreciates the hurdles Jimmysstar must overcome in each start.
Bred in New Zealand, this galloper is esteemed as a leading light in Australian racing, but his approach renders him at risk.
His record stands tall with 11 wins across 26 races and more than $8.5 million earned, as Maher and associates look to bolster it in Saturday’s Group 1 Doomben 10,000 (1200m).
Significantly, Ethan Brown received dispensation from Hong Kong to jet back and ride Jimmysstar on the day.
He steered the gelding through his prior four winning efforts and to bronze in the All-Aged Stakes (1400m) at Randwick April 18, most recent appearance.
National Assistant Trainer Jack Turnbull of Ciaron Maher Racing commented that despite seeming lacklustre results, optimism persists in the team.
“The only run that was sub-par was at Caulfield and you could really argue the track that day,” Turnbull said.
“Our team have been complimentary of his performances, but it’s been whether he’s copped a bump out of the gates, or whether he’s got too far back.
“I know there was this expectation that he was going to go bang, bang, bang, but unfortunately his pattern is to get back and against that class of horse, he needs to be scintillating to be reeling them off and winning.
“His runs have been good and improving and he will continue to improve, especially poking up to Queensland at this time of year.”
Turnbull noted Jimmysstar’s post-All-Aged Stakes base at Bong Bong, neighboured by paddock of Pride Of Jenni, fresh off a Gold Coast success last Saturday.
He travels to Brisbane midweek for a shot at the Doomben 10,000 from post 11.
Another Wil, from the same stable, is worse drawn at 19 of 19.
The gelding vanished post-spring after a poor showing tail-end in the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield.
With nine victories in 18 outings, Maher plotted a Brisbane Winter Carnival path for him.
“The 1200 metres is probably not his best and it’s not a good draw, but he’s up there and has galloped at Doomben,” Turnbull said.
Ryan Maloney is retained to ride, as Warnie gets barrier nine courtesy of Mark Zahra.
Leading online bookmakers have attractive markets open for the Doomben 10,000.