Could Jimmysstar target Newmarket Handicap?
Jimmysstar's impressive gallop at Cranbourne has led Ciaron Maher to contemplate an unexpected tilt at the Newmarket Handicap.
The trainer plans to consult the gelding's owners before settling on whether to take up the Group 1 sprint slot over 1200m at Flemington on Saturday.
Originally, Maher's camp eyed the gelding's seasonal return via the Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield March 21, then Sydney-bound for the Group 1 T J Smith Stakes (1200m) at Randwick April 4 plus the Group 1 All-Aged Stakes (1400m) two weeks on.
On Tuesday, Mark Zahra visited Cranbourne to school Jimmysstar, filling in for suspended regular Ethan Brown who misses action until late month.
Though Zahra rides Tenytris in Saturday's key sprint, he takes the mount on Jimmysstar if bypassing straight to William Reid Stakes.
Newmarket Handicap declarations occur Wednesday morning.
"Mark's coming back from his 'fake broken leg', but he was pretty keen to get down here this morning and he worked super," Maher joked.
"I will have a chat to the owners, and it will be either this race or the William Reid, but I think Jimmy is coming up really well.
"We only gave him a short time off and we wanted to keep him active.
"The planning has been to only have one run here and then go to Sydney for the T J and the All-Aged, but I'll have a chat to the owners after today's work."
Bypassing Saturday with Jimmysstar sees Maher unleash Benedetta, fresh off her encouraging third in the Group 1 Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington February 14.
On 4kg improved terms versus Lightning conqueror Tentyris for her 1-½ length margin.
Benedetta seeks Newmarket victory third time around, post fourth and tenth under prior trainer Jason Warren.
According to Maher, Benedetta shone first-up, topping her four stable starts.
"Last prep, whether we were working out, or she didn't come up as well, she's certainly come up better and certainly her coat, and her action, is a pretty good reflection of that," Maher said.
"She was super the other day. She ran close to a PB. I thought she looked fantastic and I think she's held that through to this race.
"We haven't had to do a lot with her. She was very fit and right to go and couldn't have hit the line any better.
"The 1200 (metres) is going to be ideal. I think she will hit the line pretty hard.
"It's going to be a slick race, but I think she's come on again."
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