Maher bullish as Pride Of Jenni launches another spring campaign

Pride Of Jenni is aiming for a third straight win in the Feehan Stakes while her Ciaron Maher-trained stablemate looks to get a win under the belt.

The Group 2 Feehan Stakes (1600m) is run at Caulfield on Sunday, away from its traditional home of Moonee Valley as that track undergoes a rebuild.

Pride Of Jenni has lowered the colours of Mr Brightside and Treasurethe Moment in the past two editions of the Feehan Stakes with both those gallopers among the field of six on Sunday.

Now a nine-year-old, Maher said Pride Of Jenni seems as good as ever after winning a jump-out over 1200m at Cranbourne on September 14.

Pride Of Jenni last raced when second to Birdman in the Doomben Cup in May.

“She’s come up really well,” Maher said.

“Her weight is good. She wintered well and she was in great form, and we saw that form carry through on Saturday with Birdman winning.

“He looks like he’s improved, and it would be good if she could improve that much again.”

Maher said Pride Of Jenni seemed to have mellowed with age.

“All her mannerisms are still there, and she seems to be in good form, so I’m looking forward to lining her up on Sunday,” Maher said.

Another Wil has been winless since taking out the C F Orr Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield in February 2025, but Maher saw the ‘old’ Another Wil when third to Sheza Alibi and Autumn Boy in the Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on September 12.

“He was super the other day,” Maher said.

“At the top of the straight, he looked like he had a lap full of horse, and he ran the race out very well.

“He was unlucky in an All-Star Mile, and it looks like he’s got back to that form, but the trick will be whether he can be consistent this prep, but he certainly came through it well.

“We have the option of whether we go out to the 10 furlongs (2000m) or not and I’ve always wanted to take him out to the 10 furlongs.

“His (half) brother (Wil John) won a Grand National and a Jericho Cup over 4600 (metres), so you would think an extra two furlongs (400m) wouldn’t worry him.

“He’s been in and out of form, so it’s great to have him back.”