Ciaron Maher's assistant trainer Jack Turnbull believes luck in running will be key for star sprinter Jimmysstar when he lines up in the May 16 Doomben Ten Thousand (G1) at Doomben Racecourse, with the gelding's racing pattern continuing to leave him vulnerable despite his talent.
The New Zealand-bred has won 11 of his 26 starts, including three times at the highest level, banking more than AU$8.5 million in prize money. Last seen placing third in the All Aged Stakes (G1) behind Beiwacht April 18 at Randwick Racecourse, he is yet to win this preparation, though Turnbull remains optimistic about his chances.
"The only run that was subpar was at Caulfield (when seventh in the William Reid Stakes) and you could really argue the track that day," Turnbull said. "His runs have been good and improving and he will continue to improve, especially poking up to Queensland at this time of year."
Jimmysstar will jump from barrier 11 in the 1,200-meter (about 6-furlong) Doomben Ten Thousand after being based at Bong Bong since his Randwick run. He is set to be partnered by Ethan Brown, who has ridden him to his past four victories and will fly in from Hong Kong after being given a release to ride. Stablemate Another Wil faces a tougher assignment in the hands of Ryan Maloney after drawing gate 19 for his first start since the spring, while Warnie will jump from barrier 9 with Mark Zahra booked to ride.
Napoleonic lands spot in Doomben
Three-year-old Napoleonic has secured a start in Saturday's race—allowing connections to press on with their Brisbane winter campaign plans. Trainer Tom Charlton admitted it had been an anxious wait after the colt was initially listed as second emergency for the AU$1.5 million sprint, before gaining a start after the withdrawals of Lady Of Camelot and Abounding.
"It's important because he looks like he's in a big race with a chance," Charlton said. "It has always been the plan, and it's not normally a race where you get a full field. Normally a 103-rated 3-year-old gets in, so it was a bit of a spanner in the works. But thankfully, we're in."
Napoleonic has not raced since his competitive performance in the Canterbury Stakes (G1) in March at Randwick, where he finished eighth, just 1 1/2 lengths behind winner Joliestar.
Napoleonic shares the second line of betting at AU$6.50 alongside Grafterburners, with Jimmysstar heading the market.
