Jimmysstar primed for Russell Balding defence
A blistering finish in The Everest has given connections confidence that Jimmysstar (NZ) (Per Incanto) is primed to defend his title in Saturday's A$3 million Gr.2 Russell Balding Stakes (1300m) at Randwick.
The Ciaron Maher-trained seven-year-old produced the fastest final 200m of the A$20 million Gr.1 The Everest (1200m) on October 17, charging home from second last to finish sixth, beaten less than two lengths by Tempted (Street Boss).
His final 200m was clocked at 11.80 seconds by Punter's Intelligence, further underlining the gelding's strong form after his last-to-first victory in the Gr.1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield in September.
Jimmysstar has drawn the second-widest barrier for Saturday's assignment, but assistant trainer Johann Gerard-Dubord believes the draw may work in his favour given the gelding's preference for racing to the outside of horses.
"The barrier is tricky and not," Gerard-Dubord said.
"He's a horse that is better coming on the outside of horses anyway, unless it's like last year and things open up for him, he doesn't like being in between horses.
"Ethan knows him better than anyone and it's pace dependent more than anything else."
Jimmysstar won the corresponding race last year after jumping from barrier two, settling midfield and taking advantage of an opening in the straight.
Ethan Brown returns to the saddle on Saturday, replacing Nash Rawiller, with Gerard-Dubord pleased with how the gelding has come through his Everest assignment.
"The horse is well, I thought his run in the Everest was very good," he said.
"When he couldn't get to the outside it took him a bit of time to get past Giga Kick (Scissor Kick) but as soon as he got in front of him that last bit he let down and was great.
"When you can clock off the quickest last 200m in a race like that you know the horse is going well. The extra 100m we know will suit."
A four-time Group One winner, Jimmysstar has amassed almost A$11 million in prizemoney from 12 victories in 31 starts and was rated a $4.20 chance with the TAB ahead of Saturday's feature.
