Ciaron Maher is wary of getting ahead of the game with emerging former Kiwi galloper Jimmysstar (NZ) (Per Incanto), but the country’s leading trainer admitted he, too, was looking forward to the horse’s return at Caulfield this Saturday.
As a 77-rater there are any number of horses in Maher’s immense stable with far higher credentials, but few are spoken of more than Jimmysstar, who has been most impressive in two winning starts with Maher after being sold to Australian clients.
“He’s a ratings horse at the moment, but you’d think he may be better than that,” Maher said on Saturday.
“He was really well managed from the guys over there (New Zealand). Lightly raced well placed and really well managed. He came out here as a four-year-old, not many miles on the clock.
“He’s a neat horse but they’ve given him time to develop. Clearly, he’s going very well.”
Maher said Jimmysstar was likely to run fresh for jockey Blake Shinn in the BM84 over 1400 metres at Caulfield on Saturday, where he will attempt to further his record to five starts from six runs. From there, Maher said he remained open-minded as he believed the horse could be potent at several distances.
“He’s a horse with a bright future and he’s clean-winded, he’s good actioned and I think he’s pretty adaptable,” Maher said.
“You could train him for whatever you want really.”
As an emerging four-year-old, a race like the Gr.1 Doncaster Handicap (1600m) in Sydney in April could be considered, despite his current low rating.
“Everything would have to go the right way,” Maher said.
“With any of those progressive horses, those handicap G1s, if you go the right way you can beat the handicapper.
“There’s a lot of hype about him, He’s well managed and in great order. I am not getting carried away with races like that.”
