Always a horse with that special x-factor about him, Jimmysstar has delivered at the top level with an exceptional maiden Group One win in the Oakleigh Plate (1100m) at Caulfield.
Ridden by Ethan Brown, Jimmysstar’s dynamic turn of foot was on show as the well-supported $7.50 betting apps third elect peeled off the back of $5.50 favourite She’s Bulletproof at the 200m mark to win by 1-1/4 lengths, with $8 chance Rey Magnerio a further ¾ of a length away in third.
A winner of eight from fifteen, Jimmysstar’s biggest victory prior to Saturday came in the Listed Weekend Hussler (1400m) but trainer Ciaron Maher said the horse had Group One level ability, regardless of distance.
“I think Ozzie (Kheir) thought I was crazy when I ran him over 1100m the first time,” Maher said.
“He’s a special horse. He’s always shown that bit of X factor and I can’t thank Ozzie, John and the whole ownership group. They’re fantastic to train for, he’s got a knack of finding the best horses.”
“He’s got such a following does Jimmy. I’ve been patient, he has always shown that sort of ability and [Ethan] Brownie did say to me ‘it’s about time’, before the race.”
Ethan Brown notched up his seventh Group One win and was taken aback by the finishing burst of Jimmysstar.
“I haven’t had a horse probably go as quick, ever,” Brown said.
“I’d love to see his sectionals late, he flew late, what a training performance to have a 1400 metre horse fresh up in an Oakleigh Plate and run like that, it’s quite amazing.”
Six of Brown’s seven Group One wins have come for Ciaron Maher, a relationship the young jockey said he values greatly.
“Words can’t describe how much I value it, he’s been nothing but good to me Ciaron.”
“I remember early doors I had a break from riding, I’d just come out my time and he sat me down and said ‘I think you’ve got something there, you’ve got a bit of ability’ and I said ‘if I come back, will you support me?’ and he said ‘Yeah, I will.'”It sort of built from there and this is going back five or six years ago. I’ve done the work for him but he’s certainly backed me up and to get these winners for him makes it much more special.”
