Cult hero Jimmysstar (NZ) returned to his brilliant best with a breathtaking last-to-first performance in the Gr.1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on Sunday.
The son of Per Incanto produced his trademark finishing burst to claim the fourth Group One victory of his career and put himself firmly on a path towards the A$20 million Gr.1 The Everest (1200m) at Randwick.
Sporting blinkers for the first time, the Ciaron Maher-trained seven-year-old was allowed to find his feet by Ethan Brown after jumping slowly and settled at the tail of the field.
Brown remained patient before bringing the chestnut to the extreme outside approaching the home turn, where Jimmysstar unleashed a devastating sprint to reel in his rivals and defeat Extragalactic by three-quarters of a length, with Charm Stone a long head away in third.
The 1200m was covered in a slick 1:08.24.
Maher said the addition of blinkers may have played a part, but believed a return to Jimmysstar's preferred racing pattern was the key.
“He was going the same with or without them,” Maher said.
“I think it was just the run he likes to have. Browny was very confident that he wanted to ride him like the Oakleigh Plate. Just let the speed go.
“He jumped terribly and he rode him confidently and went at the right time.
“When he lets rip, there’s no better horse. I’m just thrilled. He’s such a little ripper of a horse.
“To have him out of form or not quite at his best is a hard pill to swallow, but that was pretty special.
“God, he was electric then.”
Maher indicated Jimmysstar would now be aimed towards The Everest, with the spacious Randwick circuit expected to play to the gelding's strengths.
Brown was equally thrilled to see Jimmysstar return to his best and believes the gelding is at his most effective when ridden quietly and allowed to produce one explosive run.
“He had a couple of flat runs, but I think he’s a get-back run-on sprinter. That’s his go,” Brown said.
“Blinkers probably switched him on a little bit, but he’s as genuine as they come. The race set up well and he was presented in great order by Ciaron.
“What a thrill for the owners. He’s back to his best. I’m speechless.”
Brown said few horses could produce the acceleration Jimmysstar possesses when everything falls into place.
“Not many horses can do that. His sectionals would be off the chart,” he said.
“That feeling he gives you, you can’t compare it to much. It is unreal. It would be like winning a Grand Final in footy terms.
“I’m so proud of this horse and I’m glad he got the job done today.”
Caulfield has become a particularly happy hunting ground for Jimmysstar, who has now won six races at the Melbourne circuit.
The Manikato joins last year's Gr.1 C.F. Orr Stakes (1400m), Gr.1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) and Gr.1 All Aged Stakes (1400m) on his Group One record.
Jimmysstar has now won 12 of his 30 starts, with a further nine placings, earning A$10,036,272 in prizemoney along with A$1,657,500 in bonuses.
Jimmysstar began his career in New Zealand with Hastings trainer Guy Lowry, winning two of his three starts before a majority share was sold to clients of Maher following a Rating 65 victory at Hawke’s Bay.
He was bred by Wairarapa couple Pete and Chrissy Algie in partnership with Little Avondale Stud, with the Algies and stud proprietors Sam and Catriona Williams retaining an ownership interest in the star sprinter.
A son of outstanding stallion Per Incanto, Jimmysstar is out of the Zed mare Anniesstar, a five-time winner whose victories included the Listed Feilding Gold Cup (2100m).
Anniesstar has produced four named foals, all winners, headed by Jimmysstar and his Group Three winning sister Charms Star, while his younger full brother In'kantosstar has won three of his four starts to date. – NZ Racing Desk
