Jimmysstar would probably have kicked off his preparation in the William Reid Stakes even if it stayed at Moonee Valley, its usual venue, though the Ciaron Maher team has no issues with the change this time around.
This year’s $1 million dash takes place at Caulfield on Saturday since The Valley is closed for upgrades.
The Per Incanto six-year-old boasts six outings at Caulfield with five victories, among them the Oakleigh Plate (1100m) and Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at the elite Group 1 grade.
Jimmysstar has secured a pair of trial successes ahead of his comeback, and Jack Turnbull, assistant to trainer Ciaron Maher, is keen to let him loose over the weekend.
“The William Reid is here at Caulfield, which is his favourite track,” Turnbull said.
“He’s had a faultless prep and his trials are obviously there to be seen.
“It would be nice to think he’s come back better – he doesn’t need to – but he tries, he’s very competitive and he’s clearly a very good horse.”
Jimmysstar’s initial run this preparation comes after claiming his third Group 1 triumph in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes, positioning him as a top contender at 1400m in Australia, yet Turnbull views the 1200m weight-for-age assignment as ideal for a fresh start.
“He won the Oakleigh Plate here, but that was as a younger horse and he had no weight,” he said.
“Now as a mature horse, effectively he is a ‘seven furlong’ (1400m) horse, but he’s so brilliant and fresh over six (furlongs) he can really rip.”
Among 15 nominations for the William Reid Stakes is Jimmysstar, alongside another from Maher in Benedetta.
Benedetta’s two appearances this campaign occurred along the Flemington straight course, finishing third in the Black Caviar Lightning before sixth in the Newmarket Handicap, with Turnbull noting her strong efforts despite some misfortune.
“She’s been running bold races against some very good horses,” he said.
“She’s obviously going back to weight-for-age, but she deserves her place as well.”
The duo from Maher join a field featuring 10 Group 1 victors like Baraqiel, Charm Stone, Devil Night, Jigsaw, the doubtful Lady Shenandoah, Magic Time, Skybird and Tropicus, plus potential starter Angel Capital.
Explore the latest racing betting markets ahead of the William Reid Stakes this weekend.
