Jimmysstar produced a barnstorming finish to win the 2025 Oakleigh Plate at Caulfield on Saturday, claiming his maiden Group 1 victory in the process. The Ciaron Maher-trained five-year-old son of Per Incanto delivered a stunning first-up performance in the $750,000 sprint feature.
The Ciaron Maher trained Jimmysstar is now a Group 1 winner after taking out the Oakleigh Plate 2025. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.
“I haven’t had a horse probably go as quick, ever. I’d love to see his sectionals late, he flew late,” jockey Ethan Brown told Racing.com after the victory.
“What a training performance to have a 1400 metre horse fresh up in an Oakleigh Plate and run like that, it’s quite amazing. When I looked up and the field bunched, I thought, ‘geez we’re really in striking range here.’
“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 on raceday. He’s certainly come back a better horse, he showed his true colours last prep but he’s improved again. He’ll be winning big races again, don’t worry about that.”
Jimmysstar’s win was a significant improvement from his previous Group 1 attempt, where he finished tenth in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes last spring. This time, he showcased his true ability, coming from well back in the field to overpower his rivals in the concluding stages. Brown’s masterful ride played a crucial role, as he patiently waited for an opening before unleashing Jimmysstar’s explosive turn of foot.
She’s Bulletproof, the race favourite, looked set for victory when she briefly took the lead, but Jimmysstar surged past her late to secure the win. Rey Magnerio finished a creditable third, completing the trifecta.
“He’s a very special horse. Well done to Ozzie Kheir and the team of owners. They’re great people,” Maher said. “He’s got such a following, Jimmy. He’s always shown that sort of ability. Browny did say to me, ‘it’s about time (he won a Group 1)’ before the race.”
With this Group 1 victory now under his belt, Jimmysstar has established himself as a top-class sprinter. The Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes at Randwick in April is a potential target, with Jimmysstar currently at $11 in all-in markets for the $3 million race at Ladbrokes.
2025 Oakleigh Plate Results
| Finish | No. | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Margin | Bar. | Weight | Penalty | Starting Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 7 | JIMMYSSTAR (NZ) | Ciaron Maher | Ethan Brown | 14 | 54.5kg | $7.50 | |||
| 2 | 15 | SHE’S BULLETPROOF | Charlotte Littlefield | Craig Williams | 1.25L | 8 | 52kg | $5.50F | ||
| 3 | 5 | REY MAGNERIO | Robbie Griffiths | Jye McNeil | 2L | 5 | 55kg | $8 | ||
| 4 | 12 | HEADWALL | Matthew Smith | Harry Coffey | 2.35L | 6 | 52kg | $26 | ||
| 5 | 16 | ARABIAN SUMMER | Tony & Calvin McEvoy | Ms Jamie Melham | 3.1L | 15 | 50kg | $11 | ||
| 6 | 17 | ESPIONAGE | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Dean Yendall | 3.85L | 11 | 50kg | $21 | ||
| 7 | 10 | SGHIRRIPA | Shane & Cassie Oxlade | Michael Dee | 4L | 3 | 52.5kg | $14 | ||
| 8 | 13 | PRAIRIE FLOWER | Will Clarken & Niki O’Shea | Ms Kayla Crowther | 4.46L | 1 | 52kg | $51 | ||
| 9 | 4 | OSTRAKA | Annabel Neasham & Rob Archibald | Mark Zahra | 4.92L | 16 | 55kg (cd 55.5kg) | $15 | ||
| 10 | 11 | ASHFORD STREET | Tom Dabernig | Teo Nugent | 5.67L | 4 | 52kg | $51 | ||
| 11 | 14 | SANS DOUTE | Mark Walker | Liam Riordan | 5.97L | 10 | 52kg | $51 | ||
| 12 | 3 | GOLDEN BOOM | Tony Gollan | Damian Lane | 7.22L | 13 | 55kg | $21 | ||
| 13 | 1 | I AM ME | Ciaron Maher | Nash Rawiller | 7.97L | 2 | 57kg | $8.50 | ||
| 14 | 2 | ESTRIELLA | Ciaron Maher | Blake Shinn | 8.72L | 9 | 55kg | $6 | ||
| 15 | 6 | INSURRECTION | Michael Freedman | Regan Bayliss | 9.97L | 12 | 54.5kg | $41 | ||
| 16 | 9 | HARD TO SAY | Jason Deamer | Craig Newitt | 10.47L | 7 | 52.5kg | $61 | ||
Table Credit: Racing Australia.
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