Jimmysstar set for Stakes level challenge at Flemington
The Ciaron Maher stable is taking a measured approach with Jimmysstar’s progression to higher-level competition, despite the New Zealand-bred gelding holding an All-Star Mile (1600m) wildcard. The four-year-old is slated to compete in the Listed The Elms Handicap (1400m) at Flemington this Saturday.
Jack Turnbull, assistant trainer for Maher based in Cranbourne, emphasised that Jimmysstar is still a work in progress. The stable intends to continue entering him in lower-tier races to enhance the gelding’s profile.
Jimmysstar boasts an unbeaten record in three Australian starts, starting from a Benchmark 70 (1300m) triumph at Bendigo last November.
He then secured a Class 3 (1500m) victory at Cranbourne later that month, followed by a win at Caulfield in a Benchmark 84 (1400m) race on February 3.
Turnbull outlined their strategy, stating, “We’re going to use Saturday’s race, in which he has a light weight, as a stepping stone into the All-Star Mile.
“We’re taking it one run at a time. I know he’s got an All-Star Mile wildcard, but he has to go out there and do it again on Saturday.
“He helps himself in that he can lob anywhere in the run; he’s got gears.”
Jimmysstar is a -200 favourite for Saturday’s Elms Handicap at Flemington.