Jenni The Ninja executes Flemington races plan
Black-type racing looks well within reach for Jenni The Ninja, whether it comes during the current preparation or later, according to trainer Gavin Bedggood.
The lightly raced daughter of Shalaa took a significant leap forward at Flemington on Saturday, winning the Jockey Celebration Sprint Handicap (1100m) at just her second career start.
Starting a bookies $5.50 chance under Beau Mertens, Jenni The Ninja endured some traffic issues down the straight but latched onto leader Military Tycoon, the $3.90 favourite.
Once clear, she quickened impressively to score by a length, with Conscience ($6) another 1¼ lengths back in third.
Bedggood said her preparation had already included a few twists since her maiden victory at Pakenham on November 28.
“I was keen to run her in a three-year-old benchmark 64 at Cranbourne a fortnight after Pakenham and Tony (Ottobre, owner) said we’d put her out,” Bedggood said.
“She had a fortnight at the paddock and he rang me up and said we’re going to send her back.
“She came back with obviously good residual fitness. We gave her a tick over jump out and she trialled up very well.
“Today was a bit of a step into the unknown, coming from a maiden win, and there were a couple of well-credentialed horses there.
“But we were going to find out where she sits amongst the ranks and, I suppose, she was going to sink or swim, and she’s definitely swam.”
The performance saw Jenni The Ninja defeat Group 3 winner Military Tycoon and comfortably hold out Esha, who had previously contested the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m).
Markets are open with major betting platforms for upcoming Flemington features, giving punters plenty to consider.
“I actually haven’t had a look at the calendar,” Bedggood said.
“Me and Tony will have a chat on Monday, I guess, and see how she comes through the run and make a plan.
“She’s a nice filly moving forward and I’m very grateful to have her in my stable.”
The post Jenni The Ninja executes Flemington plan first appeared on Just Horse Racing.
More Racing News
Chris Waller wins The Lakes again
Chris Waller has again dominated Wyong’s January showpiece, with Chica Mojito taking out the $500,000 Lakes Mile. Waller claimed the inaugural running of the 1600-metre event in 2025 with Waterford and continued that trend as Chica Mojito ($17) secured only the second win of her career from 24 starts. With 12 placings...
Shiki, Itchintogo in 2026 Magic Millions Classic lead-up wins
The final preparatory races ahead of next Saturday’s Magic Millions 2yo Classic highlighted the importance of race seasoning, with Itchintogo and Shiki both rising to the occasion. Itchintogo ($1.60F), trained by Tony Gollan, produced a commanding display to win the Aquis Gold Nugget (1100m) by 4½ lengths, while the Gai Waterhouse...
Early return for Esha at Flemington races
Esha’s appearance as a $6.50 chance in a weight-for-age Group 1 at just her third start only months ago suggests Saturday’s summer sprint should be well within her grasp. Trainer Shane Nichols is nevertheless treating the assignment with respect as the filly returns to competition. The Extreme Choice filly resumes in Saturday’s...
Vahala’s Ruler up for a 2026 Standish Handicap fight
Stefan Vahala accepts Aztec Ruler faces a stiffer challenge in this year’s Standish Handicap, but believes his seasoned campaigner is ready to rise to the occasion. The Perth gelding returns to Flemington hoping to improve on last year’s narrow defeat, when he was beaten a head by It’Sourtime in the $200,000...
Petticoat off to Wyong races on The Lake day
Brett Dodson would have loved to be setting Petticoat for a Magic Millions target, but the trainer is happy to instead chase black-type style prizemoney at Wyong this weekend. The Coffs Harbour-based horseman has his talented mare engaged in Saturday’s $160,000 Lawrie McKinna Mayor’s Cup F&M BM78 Handicap (1100m). A $100,000 Book...
Missapprehend makes her mark at Sandown
Patience paid off for the Ciaron Maher stable as Missapprehend finally got on the winners’ list with a polished maiden success at Sandown on Thursday. The daughter of Wootton Bassett put aside two earlier unplaced efforts when well-supported in provincial company to score comfortably in the $55,000 Sportsbet Race Previews Plate...
Inhabit ready to show more in 2026 Magic Millions QTIS 2yo Fillies
With summer racing at the Gold Coast entering its decisive phase, Michael Hickmott is expecting a much-improved performance from Inhabit as she lines up in Saturday’s QTIS 2yo Fillies (1100m). Inhabit burst onto the scene with a debut win at Murray Bridge over 900 metres in October, but Hickmott has dismissed...
Skull’s Star chases big money in 2026 The Lakes at Wyong
Gallant Star has yet to add another win to his record this preparation, but trainer Brett Robb is confident the gelding deserves his shot at Saturday’s $500,000 Lakes Mile at Wyong. The Dubbo-trained son of Zoustar will contest the 1600-metre feature for the fifth time this campaign. His preparation began with a...
Tentyris trials ahead of 2026 Black Caviar Lightning Stakes return
Mark Zahra is set to return to action at Flemington this Saturday, and a midweek jumpout aboard Tentyris suggested the jockey is primed for the weeks ahead. The Melbourne premiership leader reunited with the Anthony and Sam Freedman-trained colt in an 800-metre jumpout at Mornington. Although Tentyris finished fourth behind Tropicus, beaten...
Touchdown out to score more fans
Lindsay Park is rarely without a cult horse in the stable and the gelding who has put up his hand as potentially the Hayes family’s next crowd favourite will chase a fourth-straight win this Saturday at Flemington. Touchdown is set to start odds-on favourite in the $130,000 Honouring Our Jockeys Plate,...