Jimmysstar ready for Melbourne return in Memsie Stakes

Jimmysstar is slated to make one of his infrequent Victorian appearances, commencing his spring campaign at Caulfield in the Group 1 Memsie Stakes.

The Ciaron Maher-trained galloper has been a consistent performer and a significant money-earner for the stable, boasting over $8.8 million in prize money from 11 wins and nine placings in 28 starts.

Having begun his career in New Zealand, Jimmysstar arrived at the Maher stable following three starts, where he immediately found success at Bendigo and Cranbourne.

After two additional races, Jimmysstar began his travels up the eastern seaboard of Australia, competing in Newcastle, Eagle Farm, and Scone.

Jimmysstar raced exclusively in Melbourne during the 2024 Spring Carnival and kicked off his 2025 autumn campaign in the city before his travels recommenced, culminating in a victory in the Group 1 All-Aged Stakes at Randwick.

The gelding participated in three Sydney races last spring before returning to Melbourne to claim the C F Orr Stakes. His autumn campaign commenced at Caulfield with an unplaced run in the William Reid Stakes, after which he journeyed north to Sydney and then Brisbane for four more starts.

Jimmysstar has undertaken most of his preparation in Sydney, including a course proper gallop at Warwick Farm on Monday, gearing up for his Saturday return in the Memsie Stakes (1400m).

Maher expressed his utmost confidence in 'Jimmys' preparation, observing that the seven-year-old has recaptured his former sharpness.

"His two jump-outs have been very sharp this prep and I'm just rapt with the way he's come up," Maher said.

"You could say his runs in the autumn were not right up to his best, but he seems to have come back really well and seems in a good spot.

"I'm really looking forward to kicking off in the Memsie. The 1400 (metres) is arguably his best trip at the moment and Caulfield, he's got a great record as well.

"He's raced the best plenty of times. He was very good against Ka Ying Rising over six (furlongs, 1200m) and you would think he's better over seven (1400m).

"He's got a good base and has come up well and I'm sure he will make his presence felt."

Maher mentioned that numerous avenues are available for Jimmysstar following Saturday's event, including a potential return to Sydney for The Everest.

Jimmysstar finished third behind Ka Ying Rising and Tempted last year after encountering interference, before going on to win the Russell Balding Stakes (1300m) and the C F Orr.

"He ran huge in The Everest from the wide gate," Maher said.

"He did plenty of work and it was a very good run at the six (furlongs).

"It's a path that has been done before by I Wish I Win. He ran in the Memsie and then went back to an Everest and was very good.

"He could also go out to a mile as well. We'll see how he goes on Saturday, but it's good to have options."

For those looking to place a wager on this significant race, consider the available racing odds at leading Australian bookmakers.