Jimmysstar set to shine at Caulfield in William Reid
The Ciaron Maher barn isn't upset that the William Reid Stakes has shifted from Moonee Valley, as Jimmysstar likely would have targeted it regardless at his preferred venue.
Caulfield hosts the $1 million Group 1 sprint on Saturday due to renovations sidelining The Valley.
At Caulfield, Jimmysstar has raced six times, triumphing in five, including top-tier wins in the Oakleigh Plate (1100m) and Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m).
Preparing for his seasonal debut, the six-year-old by Per Incanto has taken out two recent trials, building anticipation from Maher's deputy Jack Turnbull for the upcoming run.
"The William Reid is here at Caulfield, which is his favourite track," Turnbull said.
"He's had a faultless prep and his trials are obviously there to be seen.
"It would be nice to think he's come back better – he doesn't need to – but he tries, he's very competitive and he's clearly a very good horse."
Following his latest Group 1 score in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes—his third at the highest level—Jimmysstar returns, with Turnbull highlighting the 1200m weight-for-age conditions as a superb freshen-up despite his 1400m prowess.
"He won the Oakleigh Plate here, but that was as a younger horse and he had no weight," he said.
"Now as a mature horse, effectively he is a 'seven furlong' (1400m) horse, but he's so brilliant and fresh over six (furlongs) he can really rip."
Jimmysstar heads a list of 15 entries for the William Reid Stakes, with Maher also entering Benedetta.
Her campaign so far includes runs down Flemington's straight, placing third in the Black Caviar Lightning and sixth in the Newmarket Handicap, performances Turnbull describes as gritty against quality opposition.
"She's been running bold races against some very good horses," he said.
"She's obviously going back to weight-for-age, but she deserves her place as well."
Maher's entrants feature in a strong lineup of 10 Group 1 winners such as Baraqiel, Charm Stone, Devil Night, Jigsaw, possible absentee Lady Shenandoah, Magic Time, Skybird, Tropicus, and likely Angel Capital.
Check out top Australian betting sites for William Reid Stakes options.
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