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By Ray Hickson

A second Group 1 win, at Randwick on Saturday, would be the cherry on top for what trainer Ciaron Maher sees as a breakthrough campaign for Jimmysstar.

Ciaron Maher (Pic: Bradley Photos).

A year ago he was a problem child who attracted controversy when he was beaten at odds on in three consecutive starts but he came of age in the spring and Maher has seen him continue to improve.

From his Oakleigh Plate win fresh to his slashing fourth in the TJ Smith Stakes two weeks ago, the gelding is proving himself to be top shelf and Maher hopes it continues in the Group 1 $1.5m Schweppes All Aged Stakes (1400m).

“He’s a ripper horse and he’s had a fantastic prep,’’ Maher said on SEN.

“He’s won his first Group 1, he stepped up to weight-for-age and run a slasher (at Moonee Valley) and he’s gone to the TJ and run huge again.

“He’s just gone to a whole other level. Fourth run in, 1400m, a big track looks very nice on paper and Jimmy is in great order.”

The five-year-old, $6 with TAB on Friday, has won up to 1500m and was a stakeswinner over 1400m back in October.

What didn’t help Jimmysstar’s cause in the TJ was blowing the start.

Just as the gates opened he was on his haunches and gave away valuable ground in a race that was run to suit those closer to the speed.

He charged home in 32.76 (Punter’s Intelligence) for his last 600m, the fastest of the meeting, to be beaten 1-1/2 lengths by Briasa and Maher said he’d not like to be so far back this time around.

“He ran home quicker last start than he did in the Oakleigh Plate so he’s certainly in a good spot,’’ he said.

“It was just a bit of a shame last start, the aim was to land that bit closer but with his antics at the start it took him out of that contention.

“You would think 1400m would suit him, he would travel that little bit closer and better and let down the same.”

The outside barrier will make State Visit’s prospects in the Group 1 $1m Moet & Chandon Champagne Stakes (1600m) a little tricky but Maher sees no reason to deny him his chance.

Runner-up in the Inglis Sires’ two weeks ago, the colt has held his condition well through his first preparation.

“He’s improved every run and I was pretty keen on his chances last start when he was narrowly beaten by Vinrock,’’ Maher said.

“When you’re deep in your first preparation you don’t want to go one too many but he’s certainly shown us no signs of that.

“His pedigree would suggest a mile would be right at the top of his distance range but he’s in good order and has a good turn of foot.”

The jury is out on whether Group 1 winner Royal Merchant can return to winning form in the Group 3 $250,000 TAB Hall Mark Stakes (1200m) prior to being sold.

Her last win was at Wyong in December 2023 with a placing in The Nivison in the spring her best effort since.

Maher said she’s been given plenty of time and it’s up to her to produce on race day.

Jimmysstar runs fourth at Randwick on April 5

“Older mares that have lost their form a little bit you’re always nervous when they’re coming back,’’ he said.

“I think she is in good spot and has come up well, it’s just when the pressure comes on you want to see her do it.”

Ciaron Maher on Miss Alexis (race 3): “I was hoping to sneak a bit of black type with her but the race looks very slick. She hit the line well last start and the Oueensland Oaks will be her target.”

On Raf Attack (race 10): “We’ll probably just ride to hit the line. He’s prepped up really well and I think he will be in for a nice preparation.”

All the fields, form and replays for All Aged Stakes Day at Randwick