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By Ray Hickson

There’s no expectation from trainer Ciaron Maher that his TAB Everest runner Jimmysstar will throw down the gauntlet with a first-up win at Randwick on Saturday but he’s anticipating to see he’s on target.

Trainer Ciaron Maher (Pic: Bradley Photos).

Given he’s one of the four horses already locked into the TAB Everest, in the TAB slot, Maher has the luxury of working backwards from October 18 and planning the right path to have him at his best for the $20m sprint.

Jimmysstar resumes in the Group 3 $1m Kia Ora Concorde Stakes (1000m), it’s a distance the gelding hasn’t been tested at and he has 60.5kg and a wide gate to add to the hurdles in front of him.

Because of that, and his target being six weeks away, Maher concedes he’s up against it in this case.

“Jimmy’s in good order but it’s 1000m so I’m not placing a lot of emphasis on it,'' Maher said.

"He was good over 1100m (first-up), it hinges on how the race unfolds really.”

The last start Group 1 All Aged Stakes (1400m) winner does have an impressive first-up record that includes the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate over 1100m last autumn where he swept home from the back to score.

When asked whether a fast run race would suit Jimmysstar, Maher made the point that it might look that way on paper but in that scenario he risks being run off his feet.

“In theory that works but maybe he’s further out of his comfort zone so it’s not conducive to a good run,’’ he said.

“It’s like putting a stayer in a 1000m trial.”

The six-year-old, $5.50 with TAB on Friday and $11 in the Everest, has trialled twice on the Central Coast to warm up for a return.

Initially The Shorts over 1100m in two weeks was entertained for his first-up run but Maher elected to resume here then will likely go one month into the Premiere Stakes (1200m) second-up.

“We did have notions of (starting in the Shorts) but just the way he’s working this program works for him better,’’ he said.

“He is pretty adaptable and we’re pretty adaptable but at this stage that’s the plan.”

NZ Derby winner Willydoit has his first run for Maher in the Group 2 $300,000 Drinkwise Tramway Stakes (1400m) and he’s been dealt a barrier blow that will likely see him ridden conservatively.

The gelding hasn’t raced since running fourth behind Aeliana in the Australian Derby and has had just the one trial ahead of his return.

“He’s in good order, he’s such an interesting horse with what he was able to achieve in his first racing prep. It was extraordinary really,’’ Maher said.

“And how he rated in some of those races is very interesting. He doesn’t present as a normal Derby type horse.”

Jimmysstar runs third in a Gosford trial on August 18

Maher said he’s shown a little more sharpness than a typical Derby winner which is why he had thought Willydoit could settle closer in the run.

“If he was drawn better he’d probably be able to sit in a pocket but given where he’s drawn I need to do a bit more work on it,’’ he said.

“He’s drawn 15 and probably goes back and gets some cover and should hit the line pretty strong.”

All the fields, form and replays for Saturday’s Randwick meeting