Ciaron Maher eyes victory in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes with a formidable trio—Jimmysstar, Another Wil, and Southport Tycoon—each showcasing exceptional talent in their quest for Group 1 greatness this race day.
Although Ciaron Maher did not achieve Group 1 success during Flemington's Melbourne Cup Carnival, he is certainly not retreating. Instead, he is strategically aiming for victory in the esteemed Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes, a $1 million, 1400-metre handicap that represents the last Group 1 event on the eastern seaboard this year. Maher is presenting a triple threat with Southport Tycoon, Another Wil, and Jimmysstar, all of whom are set to compete as leading contenders in this intensely competitive field.
Jimmysstar and Another Wil approach Saturday’s race tightly contesting for the favorite's position—it's a rematch following their recent showdown in The Damien Oliver on Derby Day. In their previous encounter, Another Wil managed to pull ahead of Jimmysstar by a solid 1-1/4 lengths. However, Maher is aware that the conditions on Saturday could influence the outcome. Significantly, Jimmysstar enters this race with a 1.5kg weight advantage and the inside barrier, whereas Another Wil, starting from gate five, may face more challenges in securing a good position. Maher is acutely aware of their nearly identical records; both horses have celebrated seven victories, with Jimmysstar achieving this from 12 races and Another Wil from 11, rendering them virtually indistinguishable on paper.
Looking back on their recent encounter, Maher commented, “Another Wil had the better trip that day. Jimmysstar built up momentum, but Another Wil had the speed to close it out.” This insight highlights the slender margin that separates the two horses—both exceptional competitors with the potential to take center stage. Jimmysstar, a remarkable five-year-old sired by Per Incanto, has demonstrated significant improvement this season, which Maher attributes to his mental maturity. “He has always possessed the talent, but mentally, he’s finally where he needs to be,” Maher stated. “After a break, he’s returned stronger than ever.”
Next up is Southport Tycoon, another prominent contender in Maher’s impressive lineup. A former Group 1 champion, Southport Tycoon secured the Australian Guineas in his last campaign and recently added the Manikato Stakes to his accolades. This weekend, he will carry the top weight of 58kg and will begin from barrier 13, racing in the colors of Qatar Bloodstock following a recent change in ownership. The support from Sheikh Fahad Al Thani’s Qatar Bloodstock and Widden Stud highlights Southport Tycoon’s status as a formidable contender, boasting an impressive track record at Caulfield, which adds another layer of excitement to Maher’s strong roster.
Mark Zahra will ride Southport Tycoon, while Jamie Kah continues her partnership with Another Wil. Additionally, Damian Lane will take over from Blake Shinn on Jimmysstar, with each jockey bringing their unique skills to these well-prepared horses. Maher remains cautiously hopeful, aware that although all three contenders are impressive, the result at Caulfield is uncertain. "It's difficult to predict how the race will play out, but they all have a strong chance," he remarked. As race day nears, the goal is to seize victory in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes with a team that reflects both established achievements and unrealized potential.
