A genuine tempo will be key for big finisher Jimmystar as he shoots to add another major to his resume in the final Group One race of the Sydney autumn carnival.
The Oakleigh Plate winner will take his place in the All Aged Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on Saturday and trainer Ciaron Maher’s assistant Johann Gerard-Dubord is hoping it’s a high-pressure affair.
“Because of the way he races, he wants tempo,” Gerard-Dubord said.
“He doesn’t need cover, he does relax well, but because of where he ends up in his races he needs tempo.”
A slow maturing son of Per Incanto, Jimmystar is a proven stakes performer at the distance and has been in career-best form this campaign.
Along with his first-up win in the Oakleigh Plate (1100m), he placed in the William Reid Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley and came from last on the corner for a slashing fourth in the T J Smith Stakes (1200m) at Randwick.
The first two horses across the line in the latter settled in the first four during the run and Jimmystar’s effort to make up so much ground was arguably the eye-catching effort of the race.
“He was very good last start to do what he did from where he was, and his sectionals showed that,” Gerard-Dubord said.
“The 1400 will be no issue. He has come through the run very well.
“With that turn of foot over 1400, if he’s not too far off them at the top of the straight he will be right there.”
T J Smith Stakes winner Briasa headlines the final field for the All Aged Stakes and has drawn ideally in barrier four, along with last year’s winner Magic Time, who has gate seven.
Jimmystar has come up with barrier six with regular jockey Ethan Brown to ride.
