Tricky assignment for Jimmysstar after Group 1 William Reid Stakes barrier draw

Oakleigh Plate winner Jimmysstar will need luck after the barriers were drawn for the Group 1 William Reid Stakes.

Oakleigh Plate winner Jimmysstar and runner-up She’s Bulletproof will clash again in the Group 1 William Reid Stakes at The Valley on Saturday. Picture: Vince Caligiuri/Getty Images

Favourite Jimmysstar has drawn barrier two in the Group 1 William Reid Stakes (1200m) at The Valley on Saturday.

Jimmysstar, trained by Ciaron Maher, stormed to victory last start in the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate.

Three of the past 10 William Reid winners bounced from gate two including Masked Crusader most recently in 2021.

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Jimmysstar, a backmarker typically, will need luck from the low draw to get into clear air in the straight.

Second favourite She’s Bulletproof, runner-up in the Oakleigh Plate, has drawn barrier eight.

Trainer Charlotte Littlefield’s husband, Julian Hay, declared She’s Bulletproof “a great chance, it’s a nice even field”.

Five of the past William Reid winners drew eight or wider.

“I’m a bit better after hearing wide draws aren’t such a bad thing,” Hay said.

“Obviously Jimmy was too good for her the other day, we’re hoping different track, different speed.”

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Stretan Angel, placed in both the Group 1 Lightning Stakes and Newmarket Handicap at Flemington, drew widest of nine.

Maharba and Reserve Bank, who worked stylishly around The Valley on Tuesday morning, bookend Jimmysstar in barriers one and three respectively.

Schwarz, an all-the-way Group 2 Australia Stakes winner at The Valley, should be able to cross and lead from barrier five.

Rey Magnerio (gate four) and Benedetta (six) both drew sweetly.

Jimmysstar remained $2.80 favourite after the barrier draw while She’s Bulletproof firmed $5.50 into $5.

Stretan Angel eased slightly to $7.

Benedetta ($7) and Schwarz ($8) round out the top five in betting.

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GOLDEN SLIPPER FINAL FIELD
No – Horse – Trainer – Jockey – Barrier – Weight
1 – JIMMYSSTAR – Ciaron Maher – Ethan Brown – 2 – 58.5kg
2 – MAHARBA – Grahame Begg – Jordan Childs – 1 – 58.5kg
3 – RAY MAGNERIO – Robbie Griffths – Jye McNeil – 4 – 58.5kg
4 – SCHWARZ – John O’Shea and Tom Charlton – Jamie Mott – 5 – 58.5kg
5 – BENEDETTA – Jason Warren – Daniel Stackhouse – 6 – 56.5kg
6 – STRETAN ANGEL – Phillip Stokes – Lachlan Niendorf – 9 – 56.5kg
7 – SHE’S BULLETPROOF – Charlotte Littlefield – Craig Williams – 8 – 56.5kg
8 – RESERVE BANK – Mick Price and Michael Kent Jr – Luke Currie – 3 – 56kg
9 – ARABIAN SUMMER – Tony and Calvin McEvoy – Harry Coffey – 7 – 54kg

Originally published as Tricky assignment for Jimmysstar after Group 1 William Reid Stakes barrier draw