Champions Mile: Bates all class after Pride Of Jenni sacking

Pride Of Jenni has accepted to defend her Champions Mile crown at Flemington this Saturday and if she runs she will do so under a new rider.

Ben Melham has been engaged to partner the Ciaron Maher-trained mare, with Declan Bates replaced aboard the seven-year-old.

Bates won last year’s Champions Stakes and Empire Rose Stakes aboard the daughter of Pride Of Dubai, along with this year’s All-Star Mile, Queen Elizabeth Stakes and the Group 2 Feehan Stakes earlier this campaign, but has been replaced for the first time since September last year.

Bates, who will ride Pride Of Jenni’s stablemate Another Wil in the Champions Mile, was in the winner’s stall at Kyneton on Wednesday and issued a classy response when asked about his removal from his favourite mare.

“It’s disappointing not to be on her, but that’s racing,” Bates said.

“We wish them luck Saturday, but I’ve got some nice rides for the week and I’ll be focussed on them and hopefully we can sneak a winner somewhere.”

Another Wil is one of five Flemington engagements for Bates, whose other rides include Docklands in the Group 1 Champions Stakes (2000m) and Sirileo Miss in the Group 2 Matriarch Stakes (2000m).

Pride Of Jenni and Another Wil are among 13 acceptors in what shapes as one of the best races of the Melbourne spring.

Stunning Toorak Handicap winner Antino, seven-time Group 1 winner Mr Brightside, star Sydney mare Fangirl and glamour colt Broadsiding are among the others engaged.