Just 18 months earlier, Pride Of Jenni’s path forward was unclear, but Saturday’s Flemington meeting could see her as the pioneer two-time All-Star Mile champion.
Pride Of Jenni experienced bleeding that dropped her to last place in the Champions Mile at Flemington during November 2024, so owner Tony Ottobre chose to end her racing tenure.
In the subsequent March, the eight-year-old resumed with a win at 1800m first-up, and through 2025 Pride Of Jenni secured three more victories, notably the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) in the Melbourne Cup carnival, echoing her 2023 success with Declan Bates aboard in her ‘catch me if you can’ mode.
Trainer Ciaron Maher indicated that Pride Of Jenni arrives in peak form for her fresh hit-out 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 holds firm faith in a strong showing from Pride Of Jenni on her return Saturday, as her recent tune-ups have prioritised 1600m and greater from the get-go.
Her resurgence after an apparent career conclusion, now with eyes on a repeat All-Star Mile, marks an outstanding accomplishment.
“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.”
Saturday brings 10 challengers for Pride Of Jenni, including previous winner Tom Kitten, Buckaroo, Antino and Treasurethe Moment. Head to the betting sites for All-Star Mile specials and racing odds.
