Jimmysstar set to shine in All Aged
SYDNEY A genuine tempo will be key for big finisher Jimmysstar as he shoots to add another major to his resume in the final Group 1 race of The Championships at the Sydney autumn carnival on April 19.
The Group 1 Oakleigh Plate winner will take his place in the A$1.5 million (S$1.25 million) All Aged Stakes (1,400m) at Randwick, with trainer Ciaron Maher's French assistant Johann Gerard-Dubord hoping it is a high-pressure affair.
"Because of the way he races, he wants tempo," said Gerard-Dubord of the eight-time winner, the first two coming in New Zealand.
"He doesn't need cover, he relaxes well, but because of where he runs in his races, he needs tempo."
A slow-maturing six-year-old son of Per Incanto, Jimmysstar 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 (1,100m), he was placed in the Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1,200m) at Moonee Valley on March 22.
He then came from last for a slashing fourth in the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes (1,200m) at Randwick on April 5.
The quinella across the line - Briasa and Overpass - settled in the first four during the run and Jimmysstar'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," said Gerard-Dubord.
"The 1,400 will be no issue, it will suit him. He has come through the run very well.
"With that turn of foot over 1,400, if he's not too far off them at the top of the straight, he will be right there."
In the way again, though, will be Team Hawkes' Briasa, who headlines the final field and has drawn ideally in barrier 4, along with the defending champion, the Grahame Begg-trained Magic Time, who has drawn gate 7.
Jimmysstar, who sports prominent owner Ozzie Kheir's navy blue and pale yellow silks made famous by 2020 Cox Plate winner Sir Dragonet, has drawn barrier 6 with regular jockey Ethan Brown to ride.
The Maher camp also saddles another leading hope in the other Group 1 event on that final day, the A$1 million Champagne Stakes (1,600m) for 2YOs, State Visit.
Runner-up in the Group 1 Sires' Produce (1,400m) on April 5, the one-time winner has drawn the outermost alley in 12, though.
"James (McDonald) will have to do something special from that barrier. But the horse is in great order," said Gerard-Dubord.
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