Jimmysstar to follow Bella’s path to rich The Everest 2025

Jimmysstar will begin his spring journey with an eye firmly on The Everest when he contests the Group 3 Concorde Stakes (1000m) at Randwick. Trainer Ciaron Maher is deliberately using the same program that worked wonders with Bella Nipotina 12 months ago. The gelding, winner of the All Aged Stakes earlier this year, has never started over 1000m but Maher is confident the plan will suit.

“Originally I was going to have a look at The Shorts and then in (to the Everest). But the way he has come up, it just works, I feel,” Maher said. “It’s a similar path to what I took with the mare last year. I don’t think he has been over the 1000 but it just works timing-wise.”

In 2024 Bella Nipotina used the Concorde, where she finished runner-up, before the Premiere Stakes as her stepping stones to victory in the Everest. Jimmysstar will attempt to do the same, already locked into the $20 million feature as TAB’s representative.

That certainty of a slot gives Maher room to build his preparation gradually. “No pressure, as long as he’s hitting the line,” he said. “If there are a few speedsters in there, which there are, I’m not overly concerned. It’s more about getting him going and then the 1200 should be more to his liking and then he can freshen up into it (Everest).”

The Concorde Stakes shapes as a key pointer towards October’s showpiece, with several horses using it to press their case for selection. Lady Shenandoah, Jedibeel and Headwall are among those chasing an invitation, while fellow confirmed starters Ka Ying Rising, Briasa and Private Harry are yet to resume this season.