At the corresponding Flemington meeting 12 months ago, OdeumĀ started a Melbourne Spring Carnival campaign that her connections had high hopes for.
After finishing 11thĀ in the Group 2 RoseĀ OfĀ Kingston Stakes (1410m), Odeum was not sighted again for theĀ Carnival.
Move forward 12 months, and Odeum returns in the same race with her trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent JnrĀ expecting a forward showing but at the same time knowing she will be a little ring rusty.
Price said Odeum missed the remainder of theĀ 2021Ā spring andĀ followingĀ autumn carnivals after scintigraphy showed a degree of bone bruising.
“We gave her a long spell and waited until she came right, which she is now,” Price said.
Odeum showed she was progressing nicely with aĀ third-placeĀ finish in a Cranbourne barrier trial behind Lavish GirlĀ and I Am SupermanĀ on September 5.
“She hasn’t raced for aĀ year,Ā but she will give a bit of cheek,” Price said.
“She’s ready for the 1400 metres, but I think I have a bit of a doubt on her race fitnessĀ late in the race.
“It’s not something that I have tried to achieve with her, have her rock hard fit,Ā it’s just we wantĀ to get her back to racing and she’s ready for 1400 as she’s been in work for some time.
“Her action is great, her attitude is great, but she may just need the conditioning of 1400-metreĀ run.
“She’ll probably be there until a furlong out as she’s drawn to have a nice run,Ā soĀ we’ll just have to see.”
A five-year-old daughter of Written Tycoon, Odeum has raced only 11 time for three wins, including theĀ 2021Ā Group 1Ā ThousandĀ Guineas, along with three minor placings.
Odeum has firmed from $9 to $7.50 with TAB which has Pride Of JenniĀ the $4.40 favourite ahead of last year’s Thousand Guineas winner YearningĀ at $4.80.
