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Perth Cup start hinges on travel for Princess Jenni

3 minute read

Trainer David Brideoake’s hopes of getting Princess Jenni to Western Australia for the Perth Cup hinge on the availability of a flight ahead of the Group 2 race at Ascot early in the New Year.

PRINCESS JENNI
PRINCESS JENNI  Picture: Racing Photos

Princess Jenni is one of 41 horses entered for the $400,000 race over 2400m on January 2, however the tricky part is getting the mare across to the other side of the country. 

"I would love to go," Brideoake said. 

"I think she would be ultra-competitive, but I think logistically it's only looking a very slim chance of being able to get there, but if suddenly a flight came up, we'd be there. 

"I like getting over to Perth, it's been good to me." 

Ascot was where Brideoake won his first Group 1 race when Grand Journey took out the WA Derby in 2008 after the filly had earlier won the Natasha Stakes and WA Oaks. 

But first, Princess Jenni has a race to win at Flemington on Saturday when she lines up in the $135,000 Seppelt Salinger Handicap (2600m). 

Princess Jenni is the highest-rated runner on Saturday's program with a handicap rating of 105, and is burdened with 62kg in the field of 10. 

She is 14 points clear of second topweight, the Chris Waller-trained Djukon, who is in receipt of 5kg. The remaining eight runners are all handicapped on the minimum of 56kg. 

Princess Jenni is coming off a last start fifth to Attorney in the Listed Pakenham Cup (2500m) on December 5 with Brideoake conceding the mare needed the run that day. 

"She'd had five weeks off beforehand and she needed the run," Brideoake said. 

"She had a fair bit of weight and she'd had a couple of little hiccups in that five weeks as well. 

"The reason we scratched from the Zipping was she had a foot abscess and she missed a bit of work because of that. 

"She also went down to (owner) Tony's (Ottobre) farm for nine days I think, so she did a good job. 

"I think she's going into this race in good order considering there is a fair bit of weight she has to carry, but she is well ahead of the opposition in terms of rating." 

The Seppelt Salinger Handicap is the first of a nine-race program on Saturday that has attracted a total of 107 acceptances. 

The rail is in the true position with the track rated a Good4 on Wednesday. 

Showers are forecast for Thursday and Friday ahead of a partly-cloudy day on Saturday with a top temperature of 21c. 


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