The Ciaron Maher-trained Jimmysstar ($6) has come with a withering burst to claim the Group 1 All-Aged Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday afternoon, giving the progressive five-year-old his second Group 1 victory of the campaign.
The son of Per Incanto had been sensational this preparation since claiming the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) first-up, tested in weight-for-age company against Briasa ($3.80) in the Group 1 T.J. Smith Stakes (1200m) on Day 1 of The Championships.
He was the flashing light on that occasion, finishing in fourth place, with the step-up to 1400m seemingly ideal for the maturing gelding.
Ethan Brown lobbed into the ideal stalking position mid-field with cover, while Briasa was forced to sit to the outside of Belclare () in the early stages as the pair ensured a genuine tempo.
Broadsiding () was heavily backed with horse racing bookmakers prior to the jump and looked to get the run of the race under James McDonald from barrier three, while Joliestar ($10) was ridden cold by Zac Lloyd to get the last crack at their respective rivals.
Briasa gave a good kick at the furlongpole;, however, it was only a matter of time before Jimmysstar took over, with Ethan Brown managing to get clear running in the concluding stages, while Joliestar loomed to his outside.
He was able to hold off the Chris Waller-trained mare in the end, with Jimmysstar picking up a much-deserved victory in the 1.5 million feature to round out the Group 1 action in Sydney for the autumn.
Ciaron Maher was on track to break down the win post-race.
“He is such a ripper,” said Maher.
“This prep, he has come out this time with the Oakleigh Plate and his next two runs have been absolutely outstanding. Four runs at group one level. Browny as well. That was a very cool ride.
“He’s a cool horse, Jimmy. Great ownership group and he’s got a pretty cool jockey as well. Just thrilled. This has been a real come out preparation for Jimmy.
“A couple of states, it doesn’t matter. He performs and I take a lot of pride in that.
“To pull off two group ones with this horse; they get the raps then the raps come off them. The owners have been so patient.
“I was thinking about The Everest after the Oakleigh Plate, the other day, he ran home a quicker time in the TJ than he did in the Oakleigh Plate, and his Oakleigh Plate was blistering.
“He’s just a very good horse and I’m sure he’ll make his presence felt in The Everest.
“He’s a horse that, if they can run home in that ridiculous time, normally they can’t do it at both ends and he’s just a very good horse and I’m sure he’ll be better again next prep.”
Ethan Brown then spoke post-race.
“He needed a cool ride today,” said Brown.
“Sometimes it doesn’t always go our way being a backmarker. We were able to get in front of Antino. That was one box ticked and then it was just holding it together and looking for a gap.
“He was able to clove through and when he hits top gear, there’s not many other horses that can go that quick.
“Very grateful that I’ve done that. I’ve always felt I’ve ridden well but it helps when you have the cattle under you and a lot of experience, too, over the last six months which has helped. Feels like I’m furnishing well as a rider.”
Jimmysstar is now on the second line of betting at $7 for The Everest (1200m) on October 18.
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