Champion front-running mare Pride Of Jenni is set to take on a new challenge, with connections confirming she will contest next Saturday’s $1.2 million Q22 (2200m) at Eagle Farm.
The decision will significantly alter the shape of the season’s final weight-for-age feature race in Australia, with Pride Of Jenni renowned for her aggressive racing style and ability to stretch rivals from the front.
Owner Tony Ottobre confirmed the plan to Gareth Hall on Sunday morning, revealing the Group 1 star would step up beyond 2000 metres for the first time in her career.
Prior to that confirmation, Ciaron Maher assistant trainer Jack Turnbull had indicated the mare remained in work in Queensland and was thriving following her recent Group 1 Doomben Cup second placing.
“Potentially,” Turnbull said when asked about the Q22.
“She is ticking over. She went out on the grass, but she probably will stay moving until the spring really because a mare like that, you can’t really stop.
“Ultimately, it will be up to Tony (Ottobre, her owner) but she’s in work and she’s rock-hard fit.
“It’s only a furlong (200m) more than what she has been successful at and in Doomben Cup.
“It’s an option. In terms of whether it’s a definite plan ‘no’ but she’s well and if Tony wants to give her a chance and if Ciaron is happy with her, ultimately maybe.”
Pride Of Jenni has raced at 2000 metres on eight occasions for one victory, although that success came in spectacular fashion when she demolished her rivals in the 2024 Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick.
On that occasion she opened up a huge lead and still had 6.5 lengths to spare at the finish.
She has also finished runner-up three times over 2000 metres, including her most recent start when she was caught late by Birdman in the Doomben Cup.
Pride Of Jenni’s presence is expected to have a major impact on the Q22, with many of Australia’s leading trainers likely to weigh up their tactics carefully against one of racing’s most distinctive front-runners.
Nominations for the Eagle Farm meeting, which also features the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap, Group 1 J.J. Atkins and Group 2 Brisbane Cup, close at 11am on Monday.
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