Pride Of Jenni stood at a pivotal moment in her career 18 months prior, though this Saturday at Flemington offers her the opportunity to claim the All-Star Mile for a second time, becoming the first to do so.
In November 2024, Pride Of Jenni bled during the Champions Mile at Flemington and finished at the rear, resulting in owner Tony Ottobre opting to retire her.
The eight-year-old bounced back the ensuing March to triumph first-up over 1800m, collecting three further victories in 2025 that included the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) during Melbourne Cup week, repeating her 2023 conquest where Declan Bates unleashed her ‘catch me if you can’ flair.
Trainer Ciaron Maher revealed Pride Of Jenni is thriving in preparation for her return in the Group 1 All-Star Mile (1600m) at Flemington this 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.”
Particularly with her latest preps revolving around resuming over 1600m and extended distances, Maher is optimistic about Pride Of Jenni shining first-up on Saturday.
To stage such a revival post-seeming retirement and pursue another All-Star Mile is nothing short of phenomenal, he observed.
“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 meets 10 adversaries on Saturday, encompassing last year’s victor Tom Kitten, Buckaroo, Antino and Treasurethe Moment. Punters can find competitive racing betting markets for the All-Star Mile across top sites.