Multiple Group 1 victor Jimmysstar is set for a gentle autumn preparation ahead of a spring push targeting The Everest.
The Ciaron Maher-prepared runner will commence his Melbourne assignments in the Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield, followed by trips north for the Group 1 TJ Smith (1200m) and Group 1 All-Aged Stakes (1400m), both to be held at Randwick during April.
Following those outings, the horse will head to the paddock to get ready for the Group 1 The Everest (1200m) at Randwick in October, where he placed third behind Ka Ying Rising in the previous edition.
Maher made use of a Tuesday morning visit with Jimmysstar to Caulfield as part of his lead-up to the William Reid, scheduled this year for March 21 at the venue.
Jimmysstar boasts a strong history at Caulfield, securing the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) on debut last autumn, and most recently claiming the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m) in November.
“He spelled well and I’ve just been ticking him over,” Maher said.
“He hasn’t done a lot, but I thought we could bring him away to a nice surface today and warm the cockles up a little bit.
“He seems great. His condition is really good, his action, I’m happy with it.
“I don’t want to give him too taxing an autumn with a view to having him pretty right for a shot at The Everest again.”
Maher acknowledges that Jimmysstar performs better at 1400m compared to shorter sprints, though he possesses a explosive burst of speed, particularly when fresh.
Subsequent to his third placing in The Everest, Jimmysstar captured the Russell Balding (1300m) at Randwick prior to heading south to win the CF Orr.
“He got better as he went along and as the distances slowly increased, winning the Russell Balding and then down here,” Maher said.
“The 1400 metres is probably his pet distance, and we keep him fresher for the ones shorter.
“He likes coming here to Caulfield, he’s got a good record here, and the William Reid, being run here, the conditions suit him and the track suits him.
“So far, so good.”
With the William Reid Stakes approaching, punters eager to get involved can find competitive odds across leading Australian betting sites.
The post caulfield-trip-to-bring-jimmy-on/881204 first appeared on Just Horse Racing.