TAB have gone back to the well, choosing Jimmysstar to run its Everest slot next week.
The Ciaron Maher-trained sprinter was third behind Ka Ying Rising and Tempted last year when running for the TAB and earned the slot again with his explosive Manikato Stakes at Caulfield last start.
It is the second time the TAB have returned to the same horse in consecutive years after picking Lost And Running when he was fourth in 2021 before he was a race morning scratching in 2022.
Jimmysstar is considered among the best sprinters in the country and has shown strength to win at Group 1 over 1400m in the Orr Stakes last year.
“Jimmy was outstanding last year and his win in the Manikato Stakes showed he is peaking at the right time to be super competitive in the TAB Everest,” TAB’s head of commercial wagering, Brett Boyd said.
“We think the strong tempo will suit him perfectly. Nobody is under any illusion of the challenge we face, but outside of the two favourites he is clearly the best credentialed sprinter remaining.”
TAB will be hoping the Maher team can provide them with a second winner in the Everest after Bella Nipotina got the job done for them two years.
“We’re also thrilled to partner with the Maher stable again, we won the race together with Bella Nipotina in 2024 and Ciaron and his team are always a pleasure to work with,” Boyd continued.
“We like to choose horses who will peak for the race and Jimmy’s win in the Manikato showed he was ready for a career-best performance next Saturday.”
Jimmysstar is a $15 third pick in betting, which is dominated by the World’s Best horse Ka Ying Rising at $1.30.
It leaves Yulong and James Harron to announce their representatives for the $20 million showcase.
Everest Field
Ka Ying Rising Zac Purton 58.5 $1.30
Giga Kick Dylan Gibbons 58.5 $51
Jimmysstar Ethan Brown 58.5 $15
Headwall Kerrin McEvoy 58.5 $34
Ninja Tommy Berry 58.5 $21
Joliestar James McDonald 56.5 $18
Tempted Chad Schofield 56.5 $6
Savvy Hallie Zac Lloyd 56.5 $51
Spicy Martini Taylor Marshall 56.5 $51
Blue Door Jamie Kah 51 $26
Slot left
Yulong [Angel Capital $34]
James Harron
