Jimmysstar blows away rivals in Group 1 Oakleigh Plate at Caulfield
Jimmysstar unleashed an explosive finish to take out the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate at Caulfield to the amazement of jockey Ethan Brown.
Jimmysstar swept to victory in the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) on Saturday at Caulfield with an explosive sprint finish.
Jimmysstar recorded the fastest last 200m sectional on the card – 10.92sec – with jockey Ethan Brown aboard to overhaul She’s Bulletproof and Rey Magnerio.
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“I haven’t had a horse probably go as quick, ever.” Brown said.
“I’d love to see his sectionals late, he flew late, what a training performance to have a 1400m horse fresh up in an Oakleigh Plate and run like that … it’s quite amazing.”
Ciaron Maher-trained Jimmysstar was next to last around the bend, behind She’s Bulletrpoof, and only got into the clear the last 175m.
“When I looked up and the field bunched I thought geez we’re really in striking range here,” Brown said.
“I straightened up on She’s Bulletproof’s back and thought I’ve just got to bide my time here, take a breath and once that gap opened, geez he let go well.
“I’d have to say he’s the best sprinter I’ve ridden, especially race day. He’s certainly come back a better horse… he’ll be winning big races again, don’t worry about that.”
JIMMYSSTAR STORMS HOME TO WIN THE OAKLEIGH PLATE! 🚀@cmaherracing@Brown_ethan8pic.twitter.com/aaaPoqhJJD
— 7HorseRacing 🎠(@7horseracing) February 22, 2025
• What the jockeys said: 2025 Oakleigh Plate
Brown has won seven Group 1 races including six for Maher.
“Words can’t describe how much I value it (relationship with Maher), he’s been nothing but good to me Ciaron,” Brown said.
“I remember early doors I had a break from riding… and he sat me down and said ‘I think you’ve got something there, you’ve got a bit of ability’ and I said ‘if I come back, will you support me?’ and he said, ‘Yeah, I will’.
“It sort of built from there and this is going back five or six years ago. I’ve done the work for him but he’s certainly backed me and to get these winners for him makes it much more special.”
SHAN-WOW
Shanwah graduated from Benchmark 64 to Group 2 winner with a strong performance in the Autumn Classic (1800m) at Caulfield.
Champion jockey Blake Shinn rode the Ciaron Maher-trained Too Darn Hot gelding confidently – pushed forward to settle behind the leader after being posted wide – and got the result.
Shanwah is a very progressive horse! 📈
— 7HorseRacing 🎠(@7horseracing) February 22, 2025
He wins the Autumn Classic in dominant style! 💪@cmaherracing@blake_shinnpic.twitter.com/8pVSDx3qi6
“There was a bit of sorting itself out in the early stages but once we we’re able to obtain a bit of cover behind Emphasize, I was very happy,” Shinn said.
“He’s got a pretty lethal turn foot for a middle distance style of horse. He’s a capable galloper and going places this horse.”
Maher said Shanwah would likely head to the Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes (2040m) at The Valley.
Meanwhile, third-placed Imperialist shied after the post and unseated jockey Damian Lane.
Lane thankfully avoided injury.
SHORT IS SWEET FOR TROPICUS
Short trips are the go for Tropicus after the colt’s smart win in the Group 3 Zeditave Stakes (1200m).
Trainers Anthony and Sam Freedman tried Tropicus over longer distances in spring, tackling the Golden Rose (1400m) and Caulfield Guineas (1600m) without success.
Tropicus leads all the way in the Zeditave! @FreedmanRacing@kiaorastudpic.twitter.com/dZsrOHB1aO
— 7HorseRacing 🎠(@7horseracing) February 22, 2025
Tropicus finished second when returning at Sandown earlier this month but led throughout at Caulfield, the scene of his debut win last season, beating Lofty Arch ($4.20).
“You’re always learning and the spring is hard because you’ve got to make a decision which way you go,” Sam Freedman said.
“We made the decision to go to the Golden Rose and the Guineas, but he’ll stick to the six furlongs this time around.”
“He’s even sharper. He could potentially go 1100m. He was awesome.”
Originally published as Jimmysstar blows away rivals in Group 1 Oakleigh Plate at Caulfield
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