Following a dazzling Cranbourne breeze-up, Ciaron Maher mulls over Jimmysstar’s potential nomination for the Newmarket Handicap.
Decision on the Group 1 1200m Flemington sprint Saturday hinges on talks with the quick gelding’s owners, per Maher.
The gelding was set for Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) return at Caulfield March 21, then Group 1 T J Smith Stakes (1200m) Randwick April 4 and Group 1 All-Aged Stakes (1400m) later.
Mark Zahra handled Jimmysstar’s Tuesday Cranbourne session, replacing banned Ethan Brown out until end of month.
With Tenytris ride locked for Saturday sprint, Zahra pilots Jimmysstar if targeting William Reid Stakes next.
Wednesday morning brings Newmarket Handicap final fields.
“Mark’s coming back from his ‘fake broken leg’, but he was pretty keen to get down here this morning and he worked super,” Maher joked.
“I will have a chat to the owners, and it will be either this race or the William Reid, but I think Jimmy is coming up really well.
“We only gave him a short time off and we wanted to keep him active.
“The planning has been to only have one run here and then go to Sydney for the T J and the All-Aged, but I’ll have a chat to the owners after today’s work.”
No Jimmysstar Saturday means Benedetta flies the flag for Maher, buoyed by third in Group 1 Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington February 14.
4kg better weight for Benedetta versus Tentyris, settling that 1-½ length shortfall from Lightning.
Benedetta’s third Newmarket bid follows fourth and tenth under Jason Warren.
First-up superiority marked Benedetta’s peak for Maher in four runs.
“Last prep, whether we were working out, or she didn’t come up as well, she’s certainly come up better and certainly her coat, and her action, is a pretty good reflection of that,” Maher said.
“She was super the other day. She ran close to a PB. I thought she looked fantastic and I think she’s held that through to this race.
“We haven’t had to do a lot with her. She was very fit and right to go and couldn’t have hit the line any better.
“The 1200 (metres) is going to be ideal. I think she will hit the line pretty hard.
“It’s going to be a slick race, but I think she’s come on again.”
Head to racing odds at trusted sports betting platforms ahead of the Newmarket Handicap.