Dual Group 1 winner Jimmysstar has secured a spot in the 2025 edition of The Everest after being selected by TAB to run in its slot.
In a reprise of the formula which led to the success of Bella Nipotina last year, Tabcorp has partnered with Ciaron Maher, with Jimmysstar to fly the flag for the pair.
The rising six-year-old emerged as one of Australia’s sprinting stars in 2025, winning the Oakleigh Plate and the All Aged Stakes in the autumn.
TAB general manager of trading and data Dave Beirne said Jimmysstar was the best fit for its slot as the company seeks back-to-back wins.
“Jimmysstar is a proven Group 1 sprinter and his win over 1400m in the All Aged Stakes gives us confidence the high pressure 1200m in the TAB Everest will be perfect for him,” Beirne said.
“He graduated from a handicapper to a genuine weight for age star in the autumn and we think he can go to another level in the Spring.
“We’re also pleased to partner with the Maher stable again. It proved a winning combination with Bella Nipotina last year and while Ka Ying Rising is clearly the horse to beat, Jimmysstar certainly gives us a genuine chance of going back-to-back.”
Hong Kong star Ka Ying Rising is a short-priced favourite and has been selected to run in the slot owned by the Australian Turf Club.
TJ Smith Stakes Briasa (Max Whitby) and Private Harry (Yulong) are also locked in for the $20 million feature on October 18.
Maher confirmed Jimmystar would have one lead-up run before tackling The Everest in the spring.
“TAB are such a big supporter of racing in general. To get Jimmy locked away nice and early – it makes the job a whole lot easier. We can concentrate on the race and having him right on the day,’’ he said.
“The plan will be to go to The Shorts over 1100m, given his success in the Oakleigh Plate, and then a month to the TAB Everest with a trial in between.”
The son of Per Incanto has won nine of his 18 starts and over $2.1 million in prize money and Maher expects more improvement into his spring campaign.
“Each preparation he comes back in he probably looks a little more like Bella. Every time you see him, he gets a bit bigger, a bit stronger – he has certainly improved again I feel,” he said.
“Bella did it from the front, Jimmy probably does it from midfield or worse - hopefully we can get the same result.”
Maher had his first runners in the race last year. All three runners, Bella Nipotina, third-placed Growing Empire and 10th-placed I Am Me have since been retired and headed to stud.
