Jimmysstar would most likely still have launched his campaign in the William Reid Stakes had it been at its home track, Moonee Valley, but the Ciaron Maher stable not complaining about its home for this year.
The $1 million sprint will be run at Caulfield this Saturday with The Valley out of action while under renovation.
Jimmysstar has had six starts at Caulfield for five wins, including the Oakleigh Plate (1100m) and Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Group 1 level.
The Per Incanto six-year-old has won two trials in preparation for his return and Maher’s assistant trainer Jack Turnbull is excited about unleashing him this 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.”
The William Reid Stakes will be Jimmysstar’s first start since banking a third career Group 1 win in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes and while he has claims on recognition as Australia’s premier 1400m horse, Turnbull said 1200m at weight-for-age was the perfect fresh set-up.
“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.”
Jimmysstar is one of 15 entries for the William Reid Stakes and two for Maher, who will also be represented by Benedetta.
Both starts this campaign have been down the Flemington straight, when third in the Black Caviar Lightning and sixth in the Newmarket Handicap, and Turnbull said she had been racing well without luck.
“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 Maher pair are among 10 Group 1 winners entered for the William Reid Stakes, joined by Baraqiel, Charm Stone, Devil Night, Jigsaw, unlikely runner Lady Shenandoah, Magic Time, Skybird and Tropicus, while the classy Angel Capital is also in line to start.
