Ciaron Maher will roll out a familiar plan when All Aged Stakes winner Jimmysstar kicks off his Everest preparation in Saturday’s Concorde Stakes (1000m) at Randwick.
The six-year-old faces the short trip for the first time, but Maher says it mirrors the successful path taken with Bella Nipotina last year.
“Originally I was going to have a look at The Shorts and then in (to the Everest). But the way he has come up, it just works, I feel,” Maher said. “It’s a similar path to what I took with the mare last year.”
Jimmysstar is already locked into the $20 million Everest (1200m) via the TAB slot, allowing Maher to focus on building fitness rather than early results.
“No pressure, as long as he’s hitting the line,” Maher said. “The 1200 should be more to his liking and then he can freshen up into it (Everest).”
The Concorde has also drawn Everest hopefuls Lady Shenandoah, Jedibeel and Headwall.