Flemington Saturday sets stage for Pride Of Jenni's All-Star Mile repeat
Eighteen months ago, Pride Of Jenni's racing journey faced an uncertain future, but on Saturday at Flemington, she could etch her name as the first horse to win the All-Star Mile twice.
A bleeding incident caused Pride Of Jenni to come in dead last during the Champions Mile at Flemington in November 2024, which prompted owner Tony Ottobre to retire her.
Returning in March the following year, the eight-year-old secured a victory first-up at 1800m, then Pride Of Jenni notched up three additional successes in 2025, including the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) in Melbourne Cup week—a race she dominated in 2023 with her signature 'catch me if you can' tactic under Declan Bates.
According to trainer Ciaron Maher, Pride Of Jenni is in superb condition as she gears up for her most recent track appearance in the Group 1 All-Star Mile (1600m) at Flemington on Saturday.
"I'm rapt with the way she has progressed through the prep," Maher said.
"Tony kept her active when she was down at his property and she came here in really good order and she will strip pretty close to her ideal race weight.
"She's amazing how evergreen she is. Her endeavour, her action, her whole demeanour.
"Dec sat on her on Monday and said she wanted to rip from the 600 metres. He doesn't say a lot, but when he's saying that you know you're pretty close to the mark."
Maher voiced his belief that Pride Of Jenni will deliver a solid effort on first-up Saturday, given that her recent builds have emphasized 1600m trips and longer from the start.
Resuming after what looked like the end of her days under silk and now chasing a second All-Star Mile represents a stunning turnaround, he added.
"She's unbelievable," Maher said.
"Even what she did in the spring. She continues to surprise with her longevity, her endeavour, her will that she has.
"The team have done a super job with her and continue to do that, and Tony and his team need to take a fair bit of credit as well.
"She seems as good as ever."
On Saturday, Pride Of Jenni will tackle 10 competitors, such as last year's winner Tom Kitten, Buckaroo, Antino and Treasurethe Moment. Explore the online bookmakers for the best betting markets for the All-Star Mile.
More Racing News
Organised Crime aims to conquer Blue Sapphire
Cranbourne-based trainer Lloyd Kennewell is anticipating a highly competitive Group 1 sprint for three-year-olds at Flemington during Melbourne Cup week, labelling it the race of the spring.Kennewell is preparing two strong colts, Organised Crime and Mbube, for the Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) set to take place on October 31.The former,...
Beadman benefits from return to Randwick
A homecoming to Randwick is expected to suit Beadman much better, after the promising sprinter fell victim to the Caulfield curse during a quick trip to Melbourne.The tricky Caulfield track has tripped up many a Sydney-trained galloper, and the four-year-old was one of them, getting too far back from a...
Caulfield Cup presents weighty challenge for Half Yours
Tony and Calvin McEvoy, the father-and-son training duo, are fully cognizant of the significant task that lies before them as Half Yours aims for a consecutive Caulfield Cup triumph.Having previously won the Cup with one of the lowest weights, Half Yours will now carry the burden of topweight in the...
St Leger Stakes runners still in Melbourne Cup calculations
Klondike, a former European import, has not followed a conventional Australian preparation for a staying event, but his trainers maintain confidence in his fitness and stamina.The gelding will contest Saturday's St Leger Stakes (2600m) in only his second start in 16 months, having been sidelined by a tendon injury subsequent...
Beiwacht's Silver Eagle run set to prime him for Golden Eagle tilt
Chris Waller is favouring a strategy of race fitness over a spell as he meticulously plans Beiwacht's pathway to a major Group 1 double.The accomplished Group 1 winner has returned to Sydney following a run where he finished outside the top three in the Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on...
Miss Waititi's path to be decided in Ethereal Stakes
Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr's filly, Miss Waititi, might be set for a tilt at the Victoria Derby, contingent on her performance in an upcoming Caulfield race.The Group 3 Ethereal Stakes, a 2000-metre contest on Saturday, will serve as the deciding factor for Miss Waititi's campaign, determining whether she...
Ninja's prospects enhanced by rain in The Everest
The usual gloom associated with a rainy week preceding a major race day has, surprisingly, become a source of optimism for connections of Ka Ying Rising's rivals in The Everest.While the undisputed top horse remains a strong $1.50 favourite for Saturday's $20 million sprint, uncertainties about his wet-track capabilities have...
Maher's Victoria Derby defence gears up at Caulfield
The pursuit of a second successive Victoria Derby win for Ciaron Maher is intensifying this weekend, as his top two colts prepare for their final hit-outs before the $3 million Group 1 feature.Vallice and Skua are scheduled to compete in the $240,000 Group 3 Sportsbet Classic over 2000 metres at...
Siena Grima's Everest Day Debut
Siena Grima, a celebrated apprentice jockey, is on the cusp of fulfilling a major career ambition as she prepares to ride at the highly anticipated The Everest day meeting for the very first time.The past twelve months have been extraordinary for Grima. Her transition to leading trainer Chris Waller's stable...
Coongy Handicap secured by Ziryab under Johnstone's guidance
Apprentice jockey Jabez Johnstone has been on a remarkable ascent since his relocation from Tasmania to the prominent Ciaron Maher stable on the mainland.Following his maiden Stakes race victory earlier this month, Johnstone added the Group 3 Coongy Handicap (2000m) to his growing list of achievements on Wednesday, masterfully steering...