Jimmy can settle closer in All Aged

[Wandering Eyes]

Ciaron Maher is backing in Jimmysstar (NZ) (Per Incanto) to settle closer in the run in Saturday’s Gr.1 All Aged Stakes (1400m), which he feels can make all the difference in securing a second elite-level title this campaign.

The Oakleigh Plate winner, who is $4.50 second favourite with Sportsbet, will stretch beyond 1200 metres for the first time this preparation, which should also assist the fast finisher to be within striking range after his fourth placing in the Gr.1 T.J. Smith Stakes at his most recent start.

“1400 metres he should land a little bit closer,” Maher explained.

“He sort of muffed the start a little bit the other day, he had his head down when the gates opened, so I think he would have landed a bit closer if he had jumped with them.”

Maher said no decision has been made as to whether the son of Per Incanto pushes on to a Gr.1 Stradbroke Handicap after this weekend.

“There is always that lure, but it would depend on how he goes … up north is also a handicap race,” he said.

“His sectionals were blistering the other day, I think he ended up running home quicker than he did in the Oakleigh Plate.

“Any of those Gr.1s are hard to win but he seems to have gone to another level this preparation and his form has been consistent and the 1400 metres should suit him down to the ground.”

Maher is set to have a four-pronged attack in the $300,000 Listed Mornington Cup (2400m) on Saturday – a race he won two years ago with Right You Are.

Last-start placegetters Night Endeavour and Berkshire Breeze lead the stable’s hopes, with Smokin’ Romans and Strawberry Rock looking to bounce back to form.

“The race set up well for him last start and up to the mile-and-a-half you sense he’s building towards something,” Maher said of Easter Cup placegetter Night Endeavour.

“The owners have had to be patient, he come off a couple of injuries and he’s definitely going the right way.

“Berkshire Breeze was super last start but (Phillip) Stokes’ (Deakin) horse was going equally as well unfortunately, but very happy with him and he’ll be hard to beat.

“Smokin’ Romans needs to improve a little bit but he can mix his form a little.

“Strawberry Rock has had a bit of a freshen, but trialled well and a-mile-and-half, he too can mix his form but he seems in a good spot.”

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