Trainer Ciaron Maher has been patiently awaiting the opportune moment to introduce blinkers to Jimmysstar’s racing attire.

That moment has now arrived, with Jimmysstar scheduled to compete in blinkers for the very first time in the prestigious Group 1 Manikato Stakes over 1200 metres at Caulfield this Sunday.

Jimmysstar successfully navigated a trial wearing the headgear on September 14 and was observed sporting blinkers during a gallop at Caulfield on Tuesday morning under the guidance of race jockey Ethan Brown.

“I’ve thought about it for a while,” Maher remarked.

“His work isn’t the most revealing, but he tends to settle into a rhythm during trials. It was difficult to definitively assess his last start, whether Angel Capital exerted pressure or what the reason was, but I was certainly very pleased with him heading into that race, and I’m definitely happy with him leading into this one. I believe they can only enhance his performance, but securing the right run will be more significant, especially if he can find the outside and unleash his known capabilities.”

Jimmysstar commenced his campaign with what many deemed a disappointing effort in the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on August 29, crossing the line ninth behind Beiwacht.

Maher indicated that Jimmysstar has thrived since that run and has not abandoned hope that the gelding could emerge as a contender for The Everest at Randwick next month.

Last year, Jimmysstar secured third place behind Ka Ying Rising in the same event.

“The crucial factor is the horse’s condition, and he has improved since his initial run,” Maher stated. “He performed very well in The Everest last year, and we will certainly be keen to consider it again, provided he is in peak form. He endured a challenging race last year and finished strongly, so hopefully, he recaptures that form, and we can have those discussions.”

Jimmysstar has been assigned barrier eight in the competitive 13-horse field for Sunday’s race.

The rail is positioned out at the 13-metre mark for Sunday’s meeting, which is not an ideal scenario for a Group 1 contest.

“Having the rail out this far is probably not what everyone desires, particularly with Jimmy,” Maher commented. “However, horses were able to make ground on Saturday, and if that trend continues, it shouldn’t be a significant issue. Everyone is hoping for a fair track, I suppose.”

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