The revamped Spring Carnival programming, which sees the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m) run at Caulfield this Saturday, is perfect for Jimmysstar according to his trainer Ciaron Maher.
Fresh off a dominant win in the $3 million Russell Balding Stakes (1300m), Jimmysstar has returned to Melbourne in fine fettle.
“He’s super. He’s in career best form,” Maher said.
Already a three-time winner at 1400m, and a winner over 1500m at his second Australian start, Maher believes Jimmysstar will relish the extra 100m in Saturday’s weight-for-age contest.
“He’s just a good horse, right in that rich vein of form,” Maher said.
“If the Everest wasn’t there, he probably has his first run at 1200 (metres) and then goes to 1400 and into his sweet spot.”
“But you can see what he did when he went to 1300 last start and he’ll be better again at 1400.”
Usually known a horse that gets back in his races, Jimmysstar has shown the ability to settle closer, notably when racing just off the speed in The Everest when a game third to Ka Ying Rising.
“He did lead here one day at Flemington, but at 1300 he can travel a bit closer and at 14 (hundred) he’ll travel even easier,” Maher said.
Jimmysstar will be the stable’s only representative in Saturday’s Group 1 with regular jockey Ethan Brown to ride.
The six-year-old gelding, who has amassed over $6 million in prize money, is second favourite at $2.80 in early markets behind Angel Capital at $2.50, who caught the eye when closing strongly for sixth in The Everest.
