Jimmysstar is poised to make one of his infrequent Melbourne appearances as he commences his spring campaign at Caulfield in the prestigious Group 1 Memsie Stakes.
The Ciaron Maher-trained gelding has proven a significant earner for the stable, accumulating over $8.8 million in prize money from 11 victories and nine placings across 28 starts.
Initially a competitor in New Zealand, Jimmysstar transitioned to the Maher stable after just three runs, achieving immediate success at Bendigo and Cranbourne.
Following two further starts, Jimmysstar embarked on a journey along Australia’s eastern seaboard, competing in Newcastle, Eagle Farm, and Scone.
Jimmysstar competed exclusively in Melbourne during the 2024 Spring Carnival and began his 2025 autumn campaign in the city before resuming his travels, which ultimately led to a triumph in the Group 1 All-Aged Stakes at Randwick.
The gelding had three Sydney starts last spring before returning to Melbourne to secure the C F Orr Stakes. His autumn campaign began at Caulfield with an unplaced effort in the William Reid Stakes, after which he headed north to Sydney and then Brisbane for an additional four races.
Jimmysstar has completed the majority of his preparation in Sydney, including a crucial gallop on the Warwick Farm course proper on Monday to fine-tune for his Saturday return in the Memsie Stakes (1400m).
Maher expressed his complete satisfaction with ‘Jimmys’ preparation, noting that the now seven-year-old has displayed his characteristic spark.
“His two jump-outs have been very sharp this prep and I’m just rapt with the way he’s come up,” Maher said.
“You could say his runs in the autumn were not right up to his best, but he seems to have come back really well and seems in a good spot.
“I’m really looking forward to kicking off in the Memsie. The 1400 (metres) is arguably his best trip at the moment and Caulfield, he’s got a great record as well.
“He’s raced the best plenty of times. He was very good against Ka Ying Rising over six (furlongs, 1200m) and you would think he’s better over seven (1400m).
“He’s got a good base and has come up well and I’m sure he will make his presence felt.”
Maher indicated that numerous opportunities await Jimmysstar post-Saturday’s run, including a potential return to Sydney for The Everest.
Jimmysstar secured third place behind Ka Ying Rising and Tempted last year after a wide run, subsequently winning the Russell Balding Stakes (1300m) and the C F Orr.
“He ran huge in The Everest from the wide gate,” Maher said.
“He did plenty of work and it was a very good run at the six (furlongs).
“It’s a path that has been done before by I Wish I Win. He ran in the Memsie and then went back to an Everest and was very good.
“He could also go out to a mile as well. We’ll see how he goes on Saturday, but it’s good to have options.”
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