The absence of the formidable Pride Of Jenni from the Group 1 race for mares on Victoria Derby Day will undoubtedly alter the complexion of the contest, making it less about attrition.
Pride Of Jenni, a celebrated winner of the Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington in both 2023 and last year, was anticipated to be a major drawcard for Saturday’s event.
However, a slower-than-anticipated recovery from a leg infection means this star mare will not feature in the third Group 1 race scheduled for Saturday.
The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained Surfin’ Bird is preparing for her inaugural Group 1 challenge, having recently clinched victory in the Group 2 Crystal Mile over Saturday’s course and distance just last weekend.
While Pride Of Jenni’s presence always adds significant excitement to racing, Waterhouse acknowledged that her withdrawal will indeed ease the task for Surfin’ Bird and all other mares competing in Saturday’s race.
“It’s a huge difference and for all the mares in it,” Waterhouse stated. “The pressure won’t be on in the same way, and it should be a more sensibly run race.”
Now a five-year-old, Surfin’ Bird has demonstrated a gradual maturation process, yet she has managed to accumulate an impressive seven victories from her twelve career starts.
This exact time last year, Surfin’ Bird was participating in benchmark company, notably finishing a weakening fifth in the Group 3 Hong Jockey Jockey Club Stakes (1400m) on Melbourne Cup Day, despite being a short-priced favourite.
“She’s almost a different horse,” Waterhouse remarked. “Last year she would have been beaten on Saturday, but this year, she’s a year older, more mature, bigger and stronger.”
“I love backing up horses. You only have to look at the horse (Cosmic Crusader) that won the Cox Plate.”
“She has thrived this preparation and her win last week was really gutsy I thought. I really love it when they roll up their sleeves and get on with the job and I liked the way she found the line and has gone ahead since then. She seems very happy and she doesn’t have to improve a lot. I think the Empire Rose is a winnable race this year.”
Fancy backing Surfin’ Bird to cause an upset in the Empire Rose Stakes? Explore the latest racing odds at Australian betting sites.