Owner Tony Ottobre announces his preference for Pride Of Jenni’s last Cox Plate lead-up run

Ciaron Maher has plenty of options with star mare Pride Of Jenni but owner Tony Ottobre has given his preference for her last lead-up run before the Cox Plate.

Pride Of Jenni’s owner Tony Ottobre has stated his preferred assignment for the super mare’s final lead-up run before the $5m Cox Plate at The Valley.

Speaking at Tuesday’s Cox Plate media launch, Ottobre said he would prefer to see Pride Of Jenni race for $5m in the Group 1 King Charles Stakes (1600m) at Randwick next Saturday.

However, he said trainer Ciaron Maher would decide the best path for Pride Of Jenni to the Cox Plate.

• Smooth operation for English Melbourne Cup hope

Maher entered Pride Of Jenni for Saturday’s Group 1 Might And Power Stakes and Toorak Handicap at Caulfield, with stewards questioning the leading trainer’s nomination for the latter race.

Ottobre said the trainer was still working through his options with the seven-year-old but he had no concerns with Pride Of Jenni racing in Sydney seven days out from the Cox Plate.

Maher confirmed to stewards on Tuesday afternoon that he would not accept to run Pride Of Jenni in the $1m Toorak Handicap

Pride Of Jenni’s owner Tony Ottobre has given his preference for Pride of Jenni’s last Cox Plate lead-up run. Pictures: Getty Images and Racing Photos

Pride Of Jenni rocketed into Australian racing’s elite with her amazing performance to win the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes and Group 1 Cantala Stakes in consecutive Saturdays during last year’s Melbourne Cup carnival.

“How we get there (the Cox Plate) is something that we’re working with,” Ottobre said.

“She’s been entered for races this Saturday and the following Saturday but it’s up to Ciaron as to what he thinks is best.

“She has the runs on the board in that she has won back-to-back Group 1s within a week and we know she’s quite capable of doing that.

“She’s got that toughness in her and that demeanour that gives her that strength.”

THAT WAS AWESOME! 💙💜

Pride Of Jenni runs her opposition into the ground! 🔥 @[e-mail]/i8oSg4dNbf

— Racing.com (@Racing) September 27, 2024

• Magic Man for Caulfield Cup fav but owner has distance worries

Pride Of Jenni was one of 26 second acceptors for the Cox Plate on October 26.

The triple Group 1 winner and her major rival Mr Brightside remain in contention to do battle with the likes of Turnbull Stakes winner Via Sistina, outstanding three-year-old Broadsiding and international runners Docklands and Prognosis.

Underwood Stakes winner Buckaroo was still among Cox Plate acceptors despite connections looking to run the import in Saturday week’s Caulfield Cup.

Buckaroo’s trainer Chris Waller also has the high class trio Kovalica, Fangirl and Atishu among his Cox Plate squad.

Originally published as Owner Tony Ottobre announces his preference for Pride Of Jenni’s last Cox Plate lead-up run