Jimmysstar far too good for rivals in 2025 CF Orr Stakes

Jimmysstar confirmed once again that he is the standout sprinter-miler in Australian racing after producing a strong performance to win the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield.

The Orr, held for the second time in 2025 after its shift to a spring timeslot, delivered another major success for Ciaron Maher — who also claimed the earlier running of the race with Another Wil.

Jimmysstar rounded out an outstanding spring preparation in Saturday’s finale, showcasing his trademark professionalism and turn of foot under jockey Ethan Brown.

Despite jumping cleanly, the $1.75 favourite was eased back by Brown, who positioned him midfield but ahead of key adversary Angel Capital ($3.50), who was ridden quietly from the start.

Angel Capital worked home well but never truly threatened the winner, finishing a length behind, with Evaporate ($5.50) holding on for third another length away.

Maher said Jimmysstar’s confidence and conditioning had only strengthened since his heavy-track victory in the Group 3 Russell Balding Stakes (1300m) in Sydney.

“He’s a ripper,” Maher said.

“I was so confident over the last couple of weeks with him.

“I know he’d had a few runs in big races but we only keep him fresh enough to run at six (furlongs) and he was better at 6½ and I knew he’d be better today.

“Browny just rides him so well. He was in the driver’s seat most of the way. He’s got a great rapport with him and he’s a great fella.

“I can’t thank my team enough. He’s been to Sydney for a long time and he’s come down to Melbourne seamlessly.

“You can just see the confidence in the horse. He could have led the race and looked like it early.

“Ethan, over the past two years, you can see how much confidence (he had) and they are similar in how they’ve grown in confidence together.”

The victory brought Maher’s Group 1 tally to 60, while Ethan Brown celebrated his 10th Group 1 success and his second partnering the stable’s star sprinter-miler.

“By far (my favourite), he’s such a beauty,” Brown said.

“It is well publicised, my love for him and it is obvious why. He is the ultimate professional.

“He gives me such an amazing feeling and he’s such a good horse.”

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