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Class sprinter Jimmysstar delivered one of the performances of the Melbourne Spring Carnival so far when storming home to win Sunday’s Group 1 $2 million Ladbrokes Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield, capping a dominant day for trainer Ciaron Maher and thrusting himself firmly into calculations for a coveted slot in Sydney’s $20 million The Everest.
The seven-year-old son of Per Incanto was sent out at $6.50 and overcame a sluggish start before unleashing a trademark finishing burst under Ethan Brown to defeat Trent Edmonds’ progressive mare Extragalactic ($5) by three-quarters of a length, with last year’s Manikato Stakes winner Charm Stone ($21) battling on bravely for third.
Stopping the clock in a slick 1:08.24, Jimmysstar returned to the Group 1 winner’s circle in style and continued an outstanding day for Maher, who also celebrated feature-race victories with Caulfield Cup hopeful Royal Supremacy in the JRA Cup, potential Thousand Guineas-bound filly Over The Bridge in the Scarborough Stakes, and heroic three-time Feehan Stakes champion mare Pride Of Jenni.
Maher revealed the key to Jimmysstar’s resurgence was a return to the racing pattern that has brought out the best in the horse throughout his career.
“He was going the same with or without the blinkers. I think it was just the run he likes to have,” he told the media post-race.
“Browny was very confident that he wanted to ride him like the Oakleigh Plate. Just let the speed go.
“He jumped terribly and he rode him confidently and went at the right time.”
The trainer was delighted to see the gelding return to his devastating best.
“When he lets rip, there’s no better horse,” Maher added.
“I’m just thrilled. He’s such a little ripper of a horse. To have him out of form or not quite at his best is a hard pill to swallow but that was pretty special.
“God, he was electric then.”
The victory has now placed Jimmysstar firmly on the radar for the world’s richest turf race, The Everest, at Royal Randwick on October 17.
“The Everest, probably, certainly heading that way on the big track at Randwick,” Maher said.
Brown was equally effusive in his praise of the sprinting star, believing the race shape played perfectly into the horse’s strengths.
“He had a couple of flat runs but I think he’s a ‘get back, go’ sprinter. That’s his go,” Brown said.
“Blinkers probably switched him on a little bit but he’s as genuine as they come. The race set up well and he was presented in great order by Ciaron.
“What a thrill for the owners. He’s back to his best.”
The winning rider admitted the acceleration Jimmysstar produced was among the best he has experienced.
“Not many horses can do that. His sectionals would be off the chart,” Brown added.
“I think that feeling he gives you, you can’t compare it to much. It is unreal. It would be like winning a Grand Final in footy terms.
“I’m quite speechless. I’m so proud of this horse and I’m glad he got the job done today.”
The Manikato Stakes success immediately sparked a major market move for the 2026 The Everest, with bookmakers at Ladbrokes slashing Jimmysstar’s futures odds from $26 into $13.
He now sits on the third line of betting behind the defending Hong Kong champion, the world’s fastest horse Ka Ying Rising already confirmed for a title defence and at prohibitive The Everest odds of $1.35, and last year’s runner-up Tempted ($7).
The Everest 2026 Odds
| 1. Ka Ying Rising (S) | ||
| 2. Tempted | ||
| 3. Jimmysstar | ||
| 4. Joliestar | ||
| 5. Angel Capital |
The move reflects growing confidence that the Group 1 star can not only secure one of the remaining slots in the 12-horse field but also prove highly competitive.
Headwall and Ninja are the other already confirmed The Everest contenders.
Runner-up Extragalactic lost no admirers in defeat, with jockey James McDonald describing the mare’s effort as full of merit.
“She was super. Gallant in defeat. She executed beautifully and she’s got a big win in her,” he said.
For Maher, however, the spotlight belonged squarely to Jimmysstar and a stable enjoying one of its finest afternoons of the season.
“It’s an amazing day,” Maher said.
“Fantastic. He is such a cool horse, Jimmy. There is nothing better on a day like this where you’ve got a horse like Jenni who goes along from the front and a horse like Jimmy who is electric.
“It is a very special day.
“I could not be more proud of the team. We’ve got an amazing team.”
With a fourth Group 1 victory now on his résumé, Jimmysstar has re-established himself among Australia’s elite sprinters. If Sunday’s explosive Manikato Stakes win was any indication, the exciting gelding has put himself firmly in contention for a shot at The Everest, where an already glittering campaign could reach another level next month at Randwick.
