With tests on Pride Of Jenni last week determining no major issues, and the mare appearing in fine shape, Ciaron Maher is set to stick with his original plan with the Queen Elizabeth Stakes winner.
The crowd favourite was among 13 entries for Saturday’s $750,000 Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington.
The daughter of Pride Of Dubai emerged from her first-up sixth in the August 31 Memsie Stakes (1400m) with a slightly elevated temperature, but Maher said nothing he has seen since suggested she would not be fit to take her place in Saturday’s weight-for-age event.
“It was very minor, you couldn’t really hang your hat on anything,” Maher said of the post-race issue and subsequent tests.
“She seems very bright and well. She’s definitely come on from the run.
“I was very happy with her going in (to the Memsie) and the plan was always the Makybe Diva and, the way she’s come through, it’s a strong a chance to be that.”
Pride Of Jenni is likely to be one of two Makybe Diva Stakes runners for Maher, who is chasing his first win in Flemington’s first Group 1 of the season.
He will also start Circle Of Fire, who will launch a campaign aimed at Flemington’s biggest Group 1 of the year – the Melbourne Cup.
The import has not started since winning the Group 1 Sydney Cup and has had three Cranbourne jumpouts or trials this campaign, including a lacklustre last placing in the most recent, but Maher is keen to see him at Flemington.
“He’s worked well since, so I’m happy with where he’s at,” he said.
“Sometimes those stayers can surprise you and hit the line very well and his sectionals were very good last time over shorter trips.
“They were in ratings races, this is weight-for-age, it’s a hell of a lot different, but just seeing him hit the line will be ideal and (it will be good to) give him a look at Flemington.”
Maher also has Another Wil entered but the Toorak Handicap favourite is likely to wait another week until the Listed Testa Rossa Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on September 21.
Also among the Makybe Diva Stakes entries are Chris Waller-trained trioVia Sistina, Riff Rocket and Atishu, defending champion Mr Brightside, his Memsie Stakes conqueror Pinstriped and resuming Queensland Derby winner Warmonger.
