The career of Pride Of Jenni was at the crossroads 18 months ago but at Flemington on Saturday she can become the first two-time winner of the All-Star Mile.
Pride Of Jenni suffered a bleeding attack when finishing last in the Champions Mile at Flemington in November 2024 prompting owner Tony Ottobre to announce her retirement.
The now eight-year-old returned the following March to win first-up over 1800m and Pride Of Jenni gathered another three wins through 2025 including the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) during Melbourne Cup week, the race she won in 2023 that showcased her ‘catch me if you can’ style under Declan Bates.
Trainer Ciaron Maher said Pride Of Jenni was in terrific order as she prepares for her latest racetrack return 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 said he has confidence in Pride Of Jenni running well first-up on Saturday, especially as her recent preparations have been centred around running over 1600m and further when resuming.
He said to make the comeback after her racing days appeared over and to be aiming at a second All-Star Mile was a remarkable achievement.
“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.”
Pride Of Jenni has 10 opponents on Saturday including last year’s winner Tom Kitten, Buckaroo , Antino and Treasurethe Moment.
