Jimmysstar is the fourth confirmed contender for the $20 million The Everest, with TAB announcing their slot will be filled by the All Aged Stakes winner trained by Ciaron Maher.

He joins elite company with Hong Kong’s Ka Ying Rising, T J Smith Stakes hero Briasa, and up-and-comer Private Harry in the early lineup for Australia’s richest sprint.

Earlier this year, Jimmysstar stormed to victory in the Oakleigh Plate before stamping his class at Randwick in the Group 1 All Aged Stakes (1400m). He’s now rated a $11 shot for The Everest.

Ciaron Maher, who celebrated Everest success in 2023 with Bella Nipotina, hopes Jimmysstar can follow suit.

“Hopefully we can repeat the process,” Maher told The Big Sports Breakfast.

“He has certainly improved a bit physically from last prep and he had a breakout preparation last time around.

“It’s pretty exciting to get one locked in nice and early for such a big race. We can just plan to have him spot-on for the day.”

Jimmysstar will kick off his preparation in The Shorts (1100m) on September 20, with a trial in between before heading to the grand final on October 19.

While the Ciaron Maher stable is excited, they’re well aware of the challenge posed by Ka Ying Rising, the odds-on favourite trained by David Hayes.

“He’s a world-class horse and he’ll be hard to beat but he’s got to travel over and everything has to go well,” Maher said.

“I probably hope he’s not quite at his best and we’ve improved.”

Maher also trialled several stable stars at Gosford on Wednesday. Australian Cup winner Light Infantry Man, Another Wil, and Gringotts all had quiet trials, with Another Wil and Gringotts heading to the Winx Stakes (1400m) next month, and Light Infantry Man on a Sydney path before aiming at the Cox Plate.

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