Pride Of Jenni delivered a masterful performance to claim victory in the 2024 All-Star Mile at Caulfield, leaving her rivals in her wake.
All-Star Mile 2024 winner Pride Of Jenni ran her rivals ragged with a two length victory at Caulfield Racecourse. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.
The Ciaron Maher-trained mare displayed blistering speed throughout, leading from soon after the outset and powering home to a two-length win over the pre-race favourite, Mr Brightside.
“She’s thrilling to watch, isn’t she?” Maher told the Seven network after the race.
“Unbelievable…I was very, very confident coming into the race, but going into a race like that (and) Brightside’s coming off a couple of Group 1 wins, (just) super.
“I think the team has done a fantastic job.”
This win adds another jewel to Pride Of Jenni’s crown, further solidifying her dominance over the 1600m distance.
Her victory follows triumphs in the prestigious Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes and Group 1 Champions Mile races last spring.
Maher’s strategic approach proved crucial.
He granted Pride Of Jenni a five-week break following her narrow defeat to Mr Brightside in the Group 1 C.F. Orr Stakes.
While Mr Brightside returned to winning form in the Futurity Stakes, Pride Of Jenni arrived at the All-Star Mile refreshed and primed for success.
Jockey Declan Bates executed the plan flawlessly, guiding Pride Of Jenni to the lead early on.
Meanwhile, Mr Brightside, ridden by Craig Williams, started wide and settled towards the back of the pack.
Pride Of Jenni dictated a punishing pace throughout the race, forcing Mr Brightside to play catch-up.
Despite a valiant effort from Mr Brightside, Pride Of Jenni refused to yield, maintaining her advantage and crossing the finish line first in a display of pure dominance.
“I can believe it. We have so much faith in her,” Bates said after hopping off the winner’s back.
“This prep, every time I’ve sat on her back, she has certainly improved from last spring.
“I didn’t want to say that out loud because of what she did last spring and not say that she might have come back better, but I think that is the case.
“She is doing it, sustain a gallop, is so impressive.
“She’s special.”
Cascadian, last year’s All-Star Mile runner-up, finished a respectable third, seemingly on track for a strong showing in the upcoming Australian Cup.
That $3 million race could see a rematch between Pride Of Jenni and Mr Brightside, with Mr Brightside currently favoured at $2.90 at Ladbrokes.
Pride Of Jenni, however, sits at a tempting $9 to extend her winning streak over the longer distance.
2024 The All-Star Mile Results
| Finish | No. | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Margin | Bar. | Weight | Penalty | Starting Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 12 | PRIDE OF JENNI | Ciaron Maher | Declan Bates | 6 | 57kg | $3.80 | |||
| 2 | 1 | MR BRIGHTSIDE (NZ) | Ben, Will & JD Hayes | Craig Williams | 2L | 11 | 59kg | $2F | ||
| 3 | 2 | CASCADIAN (GB) | James Cummings | Ben Melham | 3L | 7 | 59kg | $9.50 | ||
| 4 | 6 | BUFFALO RIVER (USA) | Michael Moroney | Ms Celine Gaudray (a) | 5L | 9 | 59kg | $51 | ||
| 5 | 4 | MUNHAMEK (GB) | Nick Ryan | Mark Zahra | 7.25L | 10 | 59kg | $41 | ||
| 6 | 5 | DOM TO SHOOT | Sean & Jake Casey | Damian Lane | 7.45L | 12 | 59kg | $41 | ||
| 7 | 9 | AYRTON (NZ) | Mick Price & Michael Kent (Jnr) | Ms Jamie Kah | 7.55L | 5 | 59kg | $13 | ||
| 8 | 11 | HOLYMANZ (NZ) | Ciaron Maher | Blake Shinn | 7.65L | 3 | 59kg | $41 | ||
| 9 | 8 | DESERT LIGHTNING (NZ) | Peter & Dawn Williams | Vinnie Colgan | 8.05L | 8 | 59kg | $18 | ||
| 10 | 7 | PINSTRIPED | Enver Jusufovic | Ben Allen | 9.05L | 1 | 59kg | $21 | ||
| 11 | 3 | ATTRACTABLE | Sara Ryan | Ms Linda Meech | 17.05L | 2 | 59kg | $31 | ||
| 12 | 10 | PUNTURA (NZ) | Robbie Patterson | Craig Grylls | 21.55L | 4 | 59kg | $101 |
Table Credit: Racing Australia.
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