Ciaron Maher is poised to make waves at Randwick this Saturday as Jimmysstar, one of the stable’s up-and-coming stars, returns from a brief spell.
While his appearance in the Benchmark 100 over 1400 metres may not rival the grandeur of Pride Of Jenni’s triumphant Queen Elizabeth Stakes victory, it holds significant importance for the promising runner.
The ultimate ambition for this campaign is set on the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) in Brisbane come June, yet Jimmysstar must first elevate his current rating of 93 to secure his path to Group 1 glory.
Maher conveyed his optimism on Monday, expressing confidence in Jimmysstar’s form and potential to emerge victorious, thus paving the way for a shot at the Stradbroke.
“He’s freshened up really well,” Maher remarked. “He looks fantastic and I think he’s in a good spot.
“This is just a ratings race and if he goes well, he’ll have another chance at stakes level in Brisbane.”
However, the path to the Stradbroke isn’t without its challenges. Maher highlighted the necessity for Jimmysstar to excel, emphasising the significance of each performance leading up to the Queensland Group 1 event.
While Jimmysstar has captured the hearts of punters with impressive wins in his initial Australian outings, including three consecutive victories, he faced adversity in subsequent races, notably in the Listed Elms Stakes (1400m) at Flemington and the Group 3 Newcastle Stakes (1400m) in March.
Horse racing news
