Jimmysstar returned to his brilliant best with a last-to-first surge to win the Group 1 Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on Sunday. The Ciaron Maher-trained seven-year-old, ridden by Ethan Brown and wearing blinkers for the first time, defeated Extragalactic by three-quarters of a length, with defending champion Charm Stone a further quarter-length back in third. Favourite Beiwacht finished ninth as Jimmysstar stamped himself as an Everest contender.
How the race was won
According to Racing Australia, the $2 million weight-for-age sprint was run in 1:08.24 on a Good 4 track. Jimmysstar ($6.50) settled at the rear after a slow jump from barrier eight before Brown steered him to the extreme outside approaching the home turn.
The chestnut produced his trademark finishing burst to reel in the field and score by 0.75 lengths from Trent Edmonds’ Extragalactic ($5), ridden by James McDonald, with Mick Price and Michael Kent (Jnr)’s Charm Stone ($21) third under Damian Lane. Oliveanotherday ran fourth, while Everest hopeful Giga Kick finished eighth and Memsie Stakes winner Beiwacht ($3.20 favourite) was ninth.
Blinkers, pattern and Maher’s take
Maher had introduced blinkers after a puzzling Memsie ninth, a decision The Sporting Base covered in the lead-up. Speaking after the Manikato, Maher said the gear was secondary to riding the horse the way he likes to race.
“He was going the same with or without them,” Maher said, according to the NZ Racing Desk release carried by Breednet. “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.”
Brown: “He’s back to his best”
Brown said the gelding is most effective when ridden quietly and allowed 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.”
What it means for The Everest
The win is Jimmysstar’s fourth Group 1, joining the Oakleigh Plate, All Aged Stakes and C.F. Orr Stakes on his record. Breednet reported he has now won 12 of 30 starts and earned more than $10 million in prizemoney. Maher indicated the gelding would now be aimed at the $20 million The Everest at Randwick, with the spacious circuit expected to suit his closing style.
Sunday’s Manikato also reshaped the spring sprint picture: Beiwacht’s flop and Giga Kick’s eighth leave slot-holders and connections with fresh form lines ahead of the Everest field locking in. For Caulfield punters, Jimmysstar delivered the Group 1 headline the card was built around.
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