Pride Of Jenni is set to resume her campaign in the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes at Flemington this Saturday after overcoming a recent setback in her preparation. The nine-year-old mare, trained by Ciaron Maher, missed several weeks of training due to a minor leg infection diagnosed as cellulitis, which forced her to withdraw from the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes in Sydney.
Maher reported that Pride Of Jenni, who won the Group 2 Feehan Stakes over 1600 meters at Caulfield in her first run back last month, is recovering well from the infection. The mare returned to trackwork with a trial at Cranbourne last Monday, completing 1200 meters under a hold and finishing third. "It was an infection of the leg but she seems to be coming through it," Maher said. Despite the interrupted preparation, the Empire Rose Stakes remains a primary target for the stable.
Pride Of Jenni is currently the favorite at $3 in pre-race markets, ahead of fellow Group 1 winner Lady Shenandoah, who is set to challenge over the same distance. Lady Shenandoah recently secured her fourth Group 1 victory with a win in the Toorak Handicap. Also expected to feature prominently is Surfin Bird, who earned a place in the Empire Rose field following his triumph in the Kia Ora Stud Mile at Flemington last weekend.
Surfin Bird’s regular jockey Jordan Childs will be replaced by champion rider Blake Shinn after Childs received a nine-meeting suspension for careless riding in the Listed Crocket Stakes. Childs will be eligible to ride again from Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington later this week.
Meanwhile, at Royal Randwick, trainer Matt Smith is planning a potential international campaign for sprinter Headwall following the horse’s recent strong performance. Headwall finished a close fourth in The TAB Everest, the richest turf race in the world, demonstrating a return to form after more than a year off due to injury. His impressive run has prompted discussions about targeting the next year’s Group 1 King Charles III Stakes, formerly known as the King's Stand Stakes, at Royal Ascot.
Smith indicated that, following Headwall’s expected run in Saturday’s Group 2 Russell Balding Stakes over 1300 meters, the team will develop a long-term race plan that may include an overseas campaign. The sprinter's owners have shown interest in pursuing opportunities abroad if his form remains strong.
In related developments, the Melbourne Racing Club is progressing plans for a significant redevelopment of The Valley racecourse. Turf planting is scheduled for next month as part of what the club described as a "once-in-a-hundred-year" overhaul. Club chairman Peter Browell said discussions with Racing Victoria aim to ensure a successful return to racing at The Valley next year, aligning with preparations for major Victorian race days, including the Cox Plate.
The Empire Rose Stakes at Flemington and key races at Royal Randwick this weekend will offer insights into the form and prospects of several top-class stayers and sprinters as the spring racing season intensifies.