In a commanding lead-from-the-front effort that brought back recollections of her stunning 2024 Queen Elizabeth Stakes run, Pride Of Jenni has outpaced her Hollindale Stakes opponents to secure yet another outstanding triumph.
The mare showed her aggressive front-running prowess during Saturday’s highlight at the Gold Coast, surging to what was about a 16-length advantage nearing the 800m mark and holding off the closers who tried to reel her in.
Birdman ($4.20) came from the field in the closing stages to finish just three-quarters of a length behind Pride Of Jenni ($3.30 fav) at the line, while She’s A Hustler ($4.60) was a further 2-1/4 lengths back in third position.
Melbourne Cup victor Half Yours ($3.80) made a solid late charge to claim fourth, showing no discredit in the loss.
Successful handler Ciaron Maher expressed admiration for Pride Of Jenni and noted he chose to give her a break following her fifth-place finish in the Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) at Randwick last month, which came after consecutive Melbourne runner-up efforts in the All-Star Mile (1600m) and Australian Cup (2000m).
“I was mindful she had three very tough runs and given how well she went first-up, the only thing you can do is over-train her,” Maher said.
“We’ve just kept her fresh and when she stepped well, you know pretty quick whether you’re on. I thought, oh, that was nice, we might be on today.
“The track – you’d think the Gold Coast would suit her style – and it certainly did.”
Maher also commended the ride from her usual pilot Declan Bates, who established a strong early tempo with the eight-year-old and managed her stamina flawlessly.
“She is sprinting flat out from the 1000. She is used to doing that, being off the bridle a long way out, but super from ‘Dec’ (Bates),” Maher said.
“She is just a marvel. Have a look at her, she is just a beautiful mare, and she’s got a great constitution.”
Pride Of Jenni had one prior appearance in Queensland last winter, ending unplaced in the Doomben Cup (2000m).
Maher indicated the Group 1 event remains a key aim, anticipating a much improved showing on this occasion.
“She looks in better form this year,” he said.
The Hollindale Stakes (1800m) has proven a reliable guide to the Doomben Cup lately, as Antino achieved the double last year and Zaaki did so in 2021.
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