The Ciaron Maher stable is acutely aware of the task confronting Jimmysstar every time he steps out.
The New Zealand-bred galloper is regarded one of Australia’s best, but his racing pattern means he can be vulnerable.
Jimmysstar has an enviable record, 11 wins from 26 starts and more than $8.5 million in prize money which Maher and connections hope he can build upon in the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 (1200m)Â on Saturday.
Importantly, jockey Ethan Brown has been granted a release from Hong Kong to fly in and ride Jimmystar on Saturday.
Brown has ridden the gelding in his last four victories and was aboard when third in the All-Aged Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on April 18, his most recent outing.
Jack Turnbull, the National Assistant Trainer for Ciaron Maher Racing, said while outwardly it would appear Jimmysstar had been disappointing, the team had not been discouraged.
“The only run that was sub-par was at Caulfield and you could really argue the track that day,” Turnbull said.
“Our team have been complimentary of his performances, but it’s been whether he’s copped a bump out of the gates, or whether he’s got too far back.
“I know there was this expectation that he was going to go bang, bang, bang, but unfortunately his pattern is to get back and against that class of horse, he needs to be scintillating to be reeling them off and winning.
“His runs have been good and improving and he will continue to improve, especially poking up to Queensland at this time of year.”
Turnbull said Jimmysstar had been based out of Bong Bong since the All-Aged Stakes and had a paddock adjacent to Pride Of Jenni who returned to winning form at the Gold Coast last Saturday.
He said Jimmysstar would be floated to Brisbane this week to contest the Doomben 10,000 in which he has drawn gate 11.
Not so well off is stablemate Another Wil who has gate 19, in the 19-horse field.
Another Wil has not been seen since the spring, when finishing near the tail in the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield.
The Maher team had planned a Brisbane Winter Carnival raid for the gelding, a winner of nine of his 18 starts.
“The 1200 metres is probably not his best and it’s not a good draw, but he’s up there and has galloped at Doomben,” Turnbull said.
Ryan Maloney has been booked for the ride while another stablemate Warnie has gate nine for Mark Zahra.
