Tag: Jimmysstar

  • Australian Horse Racing Daily Wrap: Slipper Showdown, Jimmysstar at Caulfield & J-Mac’s Historic Chase

    Rosehill Gardens: The Golden Slipper & A Date With History

    Chayan Holds Firm in Wide-Open Slipper

    The field of 16 is locked in for the Group 1 TAB Golden Slipper (1200m), and it shapes as one of the most tactical editions in recent memory. The Annabel and Rob Archibald-trained filly Chayan remains the $4.80-$5.50 favourite depending on the bookmaker. Despite drawing awkwardly in barrier 12, her dominant Reisling Stakes victory has convinced punters she has the class to overcome the wide gate with Craig Williams in the saddle.

    The speed map suggests a frantic early pace, which could play into the hands of the backmarkers.

    • Warwoven ($8.00), trained by Bjorn Baker, was dealt a massive blow at the barrier draw, drawing out in the carpark. Jockey Rachel King will be aiming to become the first female rider to win the Slipper but faces a monumental task from out wide.
    • Pembrey enters the race on the quick back-up after a front-running victory in last weekend’s Magic Night Stakes, though speed analysts note the overall time was slightly below the historical average for Slipper winners.

    James McDonald Eyes Australasian Group 1 Record

    History beckons for Sydney’s nine-time premiership champion jockey, James McDonald. “J-Mac” enters tomorrow requiring just two more Group 1 victories to break the all-time Australasian Group 1 riding record. With five elite-level races on the Rosehill card, he has a prime opportunity to rewrite the history books.

    His elite book of rides includes:

    • Autumn Glow ($1.25): The rising superstar of Australian racing. Chris Waller’s undefeated wonder mare is aiming for her 11th consecutive victory in the $1 million George Ryder Stakes (1500m).
    • Aeliana ($1.70): McDonald’s first chance to strike on the card, riding the hot favourite in the Ranvet Stakes (2000m).
    • Autumn Boy: He will partner with Autumn Boy in a highly anticipated match race against the Ciaron Maher-trained Observer in the Sky Racing Rosehill Guineas (2000m).

    Caulfield: William Reid Stakes & Australian Cup Pointers

    With Moonee Valley undergoing renovations, the Group 1 Ladbrokes William Reid Stakes (1200m) takes centre stage at Caulfield this Saturday.

    Jimmysstar the Dominant Force

    The Ciaron Maher-trained boom sprinter Jimmysstar has opened as the heavy odds-on favourite ($1.90-$2.25). The triple Group 1 victor boasts an exceptional record at Caulfield (five wins from six starts) and won the C.F. Orr Stakes at the track earlier this preparation.

    A massive push for punters is the booking of elite jockey Mark Zahra. Zahra reportedly turned down premium Group 1 rides in Sydney—including the mount on Observer in the Rosehill Guineas—to stay in Melbourne specifically to ride Jimmysstar.

    His main challengers include:

    • Jigsaw ($6.50): The Cindy Alderson-trained front-runner is in the form of his life, having won his past five starts including the Railway in NZ and a 3.5-length demolition in the VOBIS Gold Sprint carrying 61kg. He drops to 58.5kg at Weight-For-Age.
    • Tropicus ($6.50): The Anthony & Sam Freedman-trained entire is coming off a career-peak victory in the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate.
    • Charm Stone ($18.00): The dual Group 1 winner (Sangster, Manikato) represents excellent value, as she is one of the few horses to have ever beaten Jimmysstar.

    Birdman Soars into Australian Cup Favouritism

    Looking ahead to the Flemington feature on March 28, Chris Waller’s Irish-bred import Birdman has leapt into outright favouritism ($3.30) for the Group 1 TAB Australian Cup (2000m).

    Birdman enhanced his credentials with a dominant 1.75-length victory over Apulia in the traditional lead-up, the Group 2 Peter Young Stakes (1800m). Jockey Ben Melham, who is chasing another Australian Cup victory, praised the horse’s relaxed nature and noted he has fully acclimatised to Australian racing conditions.

    Industry Emotion: Big Wigs Honours The Diva

    In a touching moment for the Australian turf, the famous Tony Santic silks—synonymous with the legendary three-time Melbourne Cup winner Makybe Diva—were carried to victory recently by the talented colt Big Wigs in the $1 million VOBIS Platinum Showdown at Caulfield. The victory comes shortly after the racing community mourned the passing of Makybe Diva, adding a highly emotional chapter to the autumn carnival.

  • Australian Horse Racing Daily Wrap: Slipper Barriers Set, J-Mac Chases History & William Reid Field Finalized

    Rosehill Super Saturday: Golden Slipper & History Chasing

    Golden Slipper Barriers: Wide Gates for Key Contenders

    The final field of 16 has been declared for the 70th running of the $5 million Group 1 TAB Golden Slipper (1200m), and Tuesday’s barrier draw has dramatically reshaped the market for the world’s richest two-year-old race.

    • The Favourite: The Annabel and Rob Archibald-trained filly Chayan remains the outright favorite at around $4.80 to $5.00. Despite drawing awkwardly in barrier 12, her dominant Reisling Stakes victory has kept her firmly at the top of betting boards.
    • Baker Duo Dealt a Blow: Trainer Bjorn Baker’s top chances have been handed nightmare draws. Pago Pago Stakes winner Warwoven ($7.00) will have to overcome barrier 18, while stablemate Paradoxium ($7.50) drew barrier 14, easing slightly in the market.
    • Waller’s Trio: Champion trainer Chris Waller has three runners engaged. Campione D’Italia (Skyline Stakes winner) provides the “wow factor,” while Fireball looks to be a major threat after drawing perfectly in barrier 7. Hidrix, who will have Kerrin McEvoy aboard, rounds out the trio.
    • Lindsay Park Squeeze: The Hayes brothers (Ben, Will, and JD) faced a nervous wait this week. After the ballot-free exemptions handed out last weekend, their stakes-winning fillies Medicinal and Gin Twist were shuffled down the order of entry, sitting precariously outside the final 16 and sweating on scratchings.

    James McDonald Eyes Australasian Record

    History beckons at Rosehill Gardens this Saturday for Sydney’s nine-time premiership champion jockey, James McDonald.

    McDonald needs just two more Group 1 victories to break the all-time Australasian Group 1 riding record. With five Group 1 races on the Rosehill card, “J-Mac” has a prime opportunity to rewrite the history books. His elite book of rides is headlined by Chris Waller’s undefeated wonder mare Autumn Glow, who is aiming for her 11th consecutive victory in the $1 million Group 1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m). If she is in top condition, rival trainers are already conceding they are racing for second place.

    Melbourne Action: William Reid Stakes at Caulfield

    Due to the ongoing redevelopment works at Moonee Valley, the Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) will be staged at Caulfield this Saturday.

    • Jimmysstar Drawn Inside: The boom sprinter and three-time Group 1 winner Jimmysstar has opened as the heavy favorite (around $2.30). However, he has drawn barrier 1. Because his racing pattern often requires him to settle back in the field, jockey steering and finding gaps will be crucial for the short-priced favorite.
    • The Challengers: Angel Capital (barrier 6) shapes as a major threat with Jye McNeil booked for the ride, coming off a strong third in the Newmarket Handicap. Meanwhile, the airborne Jigsaw (barrier 11) is on a 7-day back-up following his dominant VOBIS Gold Sprint win and is expected to set a blistering tempo out in front.
    • The Roughie: Racelab data and track analysts are pointing toward Charm Stone (barrier 3) as a major knockout hope. The dual Group 1 winner boasts an exceptional first-up record and won the Manikato Stakes in the Spring.

    Industry News & Wagering Updates

    AUSTRAC Cash Crackdown Begins

    Australian punters need to be aware of new anti-money-laundering laws coming into effect at the end of March. AUSTRAC is enforcing a strict $5,000 limit on unreported cash bets. Anyone wishing to place cash bets of $5,000 or more at on-track venues or retail outlets will now be strictly required to produce photo identification.

    John O’Shea to Appeal Ban

    Leading Sydney trainer John O’Shea has vowed to fight a recently issued four-month disqualification. Racing NSW stewards handed down the ban relating to conduct charges, and O’Shea is actively preparing an appeal process.

  • Australian Horse Racing Daily Wrap: Slipper Field Set, Jimmysstar Odds-On & Australian Cup Contenders

    Group 1 Radar: Golden Slipper & William Reid Stakes

    Chayan the Clear Standout for the Golden Slipper

    All eyes are on Rosehill Gardens this Saturday for the 70th running of the $5 million Group 1 Golden Slipper (1200m). Following Tuesday’s crucial barrier draw, the Annabel and Rob Archibald-trained filly Chayan has firmed as the outright favorite.

    Despite drawing wide in barrier 12, early betting has her at the top of the market (around $5.00). She brings impeccable form into the race, coming off a dominant victory in the Group 2 Reisling Stakes. Champion jockey Craig Williams is booked for the ride.

    Her main dangers appear to be the Bjorn Baker-trained pair:

    • Warwoven ($7.00): Guaranteed his spot with a tough win in the Pago Pago Stakes last weekend. Rachel King retains the ride, though he will have to overcome a difficult gate in barrier 18.
    • Paradoxium ($8.00): Drawn slightly better in barrier 14 with Jason Collett taking the reins.
    • Also looming large is Streisand, the tough Clinton McDonald-trained filly who claimed the Blue Diamond Stakes.

    Jimmysstar Boom Continues in the William Reid Stakes

    Looking ahead to Saturday at Caulfield, the Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) is shaping up to be a thriller. The boom sprinter Jimmysstar, trained by Ciaron Maher, has opened as the heavy odds-on favorite (approximately $1.90) in early betting markets.

    Returning after a stellar spring campaign that included a third in The Everest and wins in the Russell Balding and C F Orr Stakes, he is the clear horse to beat. His main opposition includes the Yulong stallion prospect Angel Capital ($6.00) and Jigsaw ($8.00), who comes off a dominant 3.5-length front-running display in the Vobis Gold Sprint.

    Australian Cup Fallout & Future Targets

    Melbourne’s focus is quickly shifting toward the Group 1 TAB Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington on March 28.

    • Birdman Soars into Calculations: Chris Waller’s progressive Irish-bred stayer, Birdman, has rocketed into Australian Cup favoritism following an imposing 1.75-length win in the Group 2 Peter Young Stakes at Caulfield. Jockey Ben Melham, who won back-to-back Australian Cups on Cascadian (2023, 2024), was full of praise for the gelding, noting that the 2000m at Flemington will suit him perfectly.
    • Pride of Jenni on Track: Ciaron Maher’s superstar mare Pride Of Jenni is officially on track for her own Australian Cup tilt. She turned heads with a very strong Tuesday morning gallop at Caulfield and is set to clash with Birdman in what promises to be a race for the ages.

    These developments follow an incredible Super Saturday last weekend, which saw the Godolphin galloper Tom Kitten write himself into the history books by going back-to-back to win the All-Star Mile.

    Industry News: Remembering Makybe Diva & Coetzee Goes Solo

    Vale Makybe Diva (1999 – 2026)

    The Australian racing community is in mourning this week following the sudden passing of iconic champion Makybe Diva at the age of 27 following a short battle with colic. The legendary mare remains the only horse in history to win the Melbourne Cup three times (2003, 2004, 2005). Tributes continue to flow for the horse who famously “stopped a nation” three years running.

    Jarred Coetzee Launches Training Career

    In Queensland, highly respected horseman Jarred Coetzee has officially branched out to launch his own racing team. After serving as the second-in-charge at Robert Heathcote’s Eagle Farm barn (working with stars like Rothfire and Abounding), the 39-year-old has secured boxes at Lawrie Mayfield-Smith’s stables. He saddles up his first runner, the gelding Gas Brigade, in a 1666m Maiden at Ipswich this Friday.

    Midweek Racing Pointers: Wednesday, March 18

    For those looking at today’s midweek action, a unique angle presents itself in the Adelaide Hills:

    • Oakbank (SA): The iconic Oakbank Racecourse hosts a tight 5-race card today. When assessing the form on this undulating track, jockey Campbell Rawiller is an absolute standout. He currently boasts an elite 29.41% winning strike rate at Oakbank (5 wins from 17 rides). Punters should closely monitor any of his mounts today, as navigating the steady incline of the home straight requires specialized tactical precision.