Owner Tony Ottobre has taken proactive steps to ensure Pride Of Jenni’s return from Queensland to Victoria is as seamless as possible, sending a staff member to accompany the star mare and stablemate Jennilala back to his Mornington Peninsula property. The intention is to closely monitor her travel and post-trip condition before deciding her immediate future with trainer Ciaron Maher.
Although some have speculated about retirement for the rising eight-year-old, Ottobre remains focused on a potential spring campaign, aiming for the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes (1600m) at Randwick in October. “At the moment her future is fine and rosy,” Ottobre said to SENTrack. “She’s coming back on a truck and (Jenni) Lala is coming as well and once we get her here, we’ll assess where she’s at and how’s going and make a decision from there.”
Ottobre highlighted Pride Of Jenni’s strength this prep, including her powerful win in the Group 2 Peter Young Stakes (1800m) and a dominant Listed Anniversary Vase (1600m) victory carrying 61kg. Though her form dipped in Group 1 company, Ottobre remains optimistic. “You only retire a horse when they have had enough and don’t want to run anymore,” he said. “They’ll tell you.”
For punters looking ahead to her potential spring targets, explore Australia’s leading betting sites for the latest racing markets and odds on Pride Of Jenni’s return.