Jennilala ready to go in the Victoria Handicap

Jennilala is back at Caulfield, aiming to add another feature to her record 12 months after a runner-up effort in the Easter Cup. This time, she tackles the Group 3 Victoria Handicap (1400m) under the care of new trainer Gavin Bedggood.

Since her transfer from Ciaron Maher, Jennilala has flourished — winning first-up in the Group 3 Matron Stakes (1600m) at Flemington last month — and Bedggood is eyeing more black type ahead.

Her path is expected to continue toward the Group 2 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) at Morphettville on April 26, with Saturday’s race serving as a timely lead-in.

“She’s had a couple of gallops the last couple of Saturday mornings and I think she’s fresh enough to run really well over the 1400 metres on Saturday,” Bedggood said.

“She probably beat the ‘B grade’ mares last start if you’re truly honest and this race, it sets her up nicely to go to Adelaide and tackle the Queen Of The South in three weeks’ time.

So, rather than being seven weeks between runs, it’s a nice tick over race, but I would be disappointed if she didn’t run really well.”

The mare shares ownership with Pride Of Jenni, whose standout six-year-old campaign included victories in the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes, Champions Mile, All-Star Mile, and Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

Jennilala, a Group 3 winner as a three-year-old in the Auraria Stakes, has demonstrated strong form between 1400m and 2000m, and Bedggood believes she’s yet to hit her ceiling.

“She’s the kindest mare, the soundest mare we’ve got,” Bedggood said.

“She takes everything in her stride and is a nice horse to have around.”

Craig Newitt, aboard for her Matron Stakes win, is booked to ride her again this weekend at Caulfield.