A forecast heatwave for Melbourne this weekend has led to the decision to travel interstate with exciting Kiwi-bred Jimmysstar this week.

Initially set to contest the Gr.3 Shaftsbury Avenue (1400m) at Flemington on Saturday, trainer Ciaron Maher and his connections have elected to head to New South Wales with the Per Incanto gelding on Friday to line-up in the Gr.3 Newcastle Stakes (1400m) and escape the forecast 39 degree temperature in Melbourne.

“The temperature expected on Saturday in Melbourne was a big consideration to the change of plans," part-owner Ozzie Kheir told Racing.com.

Friday's race carries $250,000 in prizemoney, $50,000 more than at Flemington, and he has drawn the inside barrier with Tyler Schiller booked to ride.

Jimmysstar showed plenty of promise in New Zealand for former trainer Guy Lowry, having won two of his three starts before crossing the Tasman where he won his two starts on Australian soil for Lowry before his sale and subsequent transfer to Maher.

He resumed with victory at Caulfield last month, which caught the attention of Racing Victoria, who offered his connections a wildcard entry into next week’s A$4 million All-Star Mile (1600m) at Caulfield.

He was beaten for the first time in Australia last start at Flemington when runner-up in the Listed The Elms Handicap (1400m) and his connections are still contemplating whether to accept a wildcard into the All-Star Mile.