Former Horse Of The Year Pride Of Jenni is edging closer to a racetrack return, having been entered for upcoming trials as her spring preparation ramps up.

The Ciaron Maher-trained mare is scheduled for a jump-out at Cranbourne on Monday and also nominated for an 800m trial at Caulfield Heath on Tuesday. Maher said track conditions would determine which option she takes up.

It was widely thought Pride Of Jenni might head to the breeding barn following her tenth-place finish in the Group 1 Doomben Cup in May. However, she has returned to Maher’s Cranbourne base in excellent condition after pre-training at owner Tony Ottobre’s Mornington Peninsula property.

“They did a good job with her,” Maher said. “She had a nice covering on her. She is nice and happy, nice and free in her action. The signs are positive. She’s a marvel actually, she surprises me every time she comes back.”

Maher confirmed no first-up race has been locked in, with her program to be mapped out following her trial hit-outs. He expects the mare to remain in Melbourne for her campaign.

“I think she will stay here,” Maher said. “I think we’ll keep her around the mile, 1800 metres and probably on the backend of spring.”

The Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes and Group 1 Champions Mile, both run over 1600m at Flemington during Melbourne Cup week, loom as potential spring targets. Those races in 2023 delivered her first two Group 1 victories and set her on the path to Horse Of The Year honours in 2023-24.

Punters eyeing her return in the Empire Rose Stakes or Champions Mile can find the best odds and markets at leading bookmakers here.