Champions Mile: Bates all class after Pride Of Jenni sacking
Pride Of Jenni has accepted to defend her Champions Mile crown at Flemington this Saturday and if she runs she will do so under a new rider.
Ben Melham has been engaged to partner the Ciaron Maher-trained mare, with Declan Bates replaced aboard the seven-year-old.
Bates won last year’s Champions Stakes and Empire Rose Stakes aboard the daughter of Pride Of Dubai, along with this year’s All-Star Mile, Queen Elizabeth Stakes and the Group 2 Feehan Stakes earlier this campaign, but has been replaced for the first time since September last year.
Bates, who will ride Pride Of Jenni’s stablemate Another Wil in the Champions Mile, was in the winner’s stall at Kyneton on Wednesday and issued a classy response when asked about his removal from his favourite mare.
“It’s disappointing not to be on her, but that’s racing,” Bates said.
“We wish them luck Saturday, but I’ve got some nice rides for the week and I’ll be focussed on them and hopefully we can sneak a winner somewhere.”
Another Wil is one of five Flemington engagements for Bates, whose other rides include Docklands in the Group 1 Champions Stakes (2000m) and Sirileo Miss in the Group 2 Matriarch Stakes (2000m).
Pride Of Jenni and Another Wil are among 13 acceptors in what shapes as one of the best races of the Melbourne spring.
Stunning Toorak Handicap winner Antino, seven-time Group 1 winner Mr Brightside, star Sydney mare Fangirl and glamour colt Broadsiding are among the others engaged.
More Racing News
Voyager sets sail for The Five Diamonds consolation
Melbourne Cup dreams for Relentless Voyager were quashed when he failed Racing Victoria’s strict veterinary tests, but connections still harbour aspirations to plunder riches north of the border. While the gelding didn’t pass muster with RV when examined prior to leaving Europe, he was cleared by Racing NSW vets to compete in...
International races could be on the agenda for Melbourne Cup winner Knight’s Choice
Dual Melbourne Cup winning trainer Sheila Laxon believes Knight’s Choice is capable of being a performer on the world stage. Knight’s Choice won the Melbourne Cup (3200m) at Flemington on Tuesday to give Laxon her second Cup success and her partner John Symons his first. It was also a first Cup success...
VRC Crown Oaks 2024 pedigree profiles
Those looking for reasons to doubt Treasurethe Moment in Thursday’s Group 1 VRC Crown Oaks might point to her sire as a factor behind their reasoning that she will struggle to run a strong 2500 metres. The Matt Laurie-trained filly is by Alabama Express, a son of Redoute’s Choice who finished...
Distance rise to favour Franz Josef in Ladies Day Cup
A rousing trackwork gallop has Gerald Ryan optimistic Franz Josef can improve on his first-up effort and play a role in the Listed Ladies Day Cup at Hawkesbury. The son of Snitzel found his rivals too sharp when finishing down the track behind Ostraka in the Silver Eagle (1300m) last month, but Ryan expected...
Draw key as Miss Hellfire pursues Hot Danish Stakes
Connections of Miss Hellfire are banking on an inside barrier draw to help her turn the tables on last start conqueror Olentia when the pair clash again in the Hot Danish Stakes at Rosehill. Having her first start for Annabel Neasham and Rob Archibald, Miss Hellfire got back to last from a wide...
Turner and Miller Bid For Feature Race Double
Horcrux’s last start fourth in the Listed Belgravia Stakes (1200m) left jockey Jordan Turner suitably impressed and he believes it’s a strong selling point for the Simon Miller-trained galloper going into Saturday’s Listed Seacorp Fairetha Stakes (1400m). Jordan Turner was taken by Horcrux’s valiant effort in the Belgravia Stakes when he worked...
Champions Stakes or The Five Diamonds for UK galloper Docklands
UK galloper Docklands is set to have his second Australian start, most likely to be in a Group 1 race at Flemington. The Harry Eustace-trained galloper is an acceptor for the Champions Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on Saturday while he is also one of 20 horses that were paid up for at...
Too Darn Discreet ready to go in VRC Oaks
Ballarat trainer says he would not change anything as Too Darn Discreet looks to extend her winning sequence at Flemington. The Group 1 Crown Oaks (2500m) on Thursday will be the daughter of Too Darn Hot’s fourth win on end if successful. Too Darn Discreet started the ball rolling with a maiden...
Former Jockey Relishes training triumph in Burgess Queen Stakes
Ryan Hill took a punt and he was handsomely rewarded when London’s Image won the Listed Burgess Queen Stakes (1400m) at Ascot on Wednesday. In a nail-biting finish, London’s Image led from barrier to post and withstood the surging finishes of runner-up Ron’s Finalflutter and third placegetter, Flower Of Gold. London’s Image’s shock...
Dolan scores 2024 Melbourne Cup blowout on Knight’s Choice
A once part-time jockey who flirted with a career as a musician added his name to the Melbourne Cup honour roll when he engineered one of the great upsets in the history of the great race. Ireland’s Robbie Dolan partnered betting sites $91 chance Knight’s Choice to a thrilling win in...