Trainer Lucy Yeomans is grateful for the chance to saddle a contender in a $1 million slot race at Cranbourne — an opportunity she describes as significant at this early stage of her solo training career.
Jenni The Fox will compete for slot holder Cape Schanck Racing in The Meteorite (1200m) on Saturday, racing in the Ottobre family’s colours, the same carried by Pride Of Jenni.
Finding the right horse to fill Ottobre’s slot was far from straightforward, but Yeomans was delighted to receive the opportunity.
Jenni The Fox has had a long campaign, beginning with Alex Rae before transitioning to Yeomans after she ended her training partnership with Lloyd Kennewell.
“She’s deep into her prep, rock-hard fit, so we’ve just freshened her up,” Yeomans said.
“Tony Ottobre has the slot in The Meteorite and wanted one of his horses to take that place and he picked Fox and I think she will run a race.
“She will have to pull out a career best. She was very solid last start running third in a Group race.”
The mare has run well in several competitive races, including placing behind Treasurethe Moment earlier in the year at Caulfield.
However, she has managed only one career victory — a Cranbourne maiden over 1300m.
Though considered an outsider, Yeomans believes Jenni The Fox can deliver a bold performance.
“She’s not been straight-forward to freshen-up as she’s a big, gross horse, so it’s not as simple as backing right back off her,” Yeomans said.
“I’ve just given her a couple of gallops, kept it short and sharp.
“She can run a sectional, but we’re realistic it is a big ask of her, but she is very, very genuine and she goes to the races and does her absolute best.
“My ideal scenario is they go red-hot flat-out and she can travel in behind and they’re getting tired and she’s storming home late.”
Since taking out her trainer’s licence in September, Yeomans has sent out just eight runners for two wins — and this early milestone holds personal significance.
“Even having a runner is a fantastic opportunity that is not lost on me,” she said.
“She’s not one of the main chances, but she will run well and be competitive in a $1 million race.
“If she were to win it, it would be incredible.”
