In the Queen Elizabeth Stakes aftermath, one of Chris Waller’s first thoughts was the hope of a rematch for Via Sistina with Pride Of Jenni come the spring racing features.
That is just what he may get as Ciaron Maher says that his star middle distance mare will look to conquering Australasia’s weight-for-age championship, the Group 1 Cox Plate (2040m), as her main aim in late October.
“The Cox Plate will be our target,” Maher told RSN972.
“The King Charles (Group 1, 1600m) has been mentioned but the Cox Plate is the one.”
Pride Of Jenni has already firmed in Cox Plate futures markets from $5 into $4.50 with Waller’s Queen Elizabeth Stakes second-placed Via Sistina on the second line of betting at $6 with 2023 Cox Plate winner Romantic Warrior.
Maher raised no concerns with the six-year-old’s recovery after her Randwick demolition while still coming to terms with the astonishing style of her win.
A start in the King Charles III Stakes would require Pride Of Jenni to back-up within seven days to then start in the Cox Plate.
Also, Maher confirmed that Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m) winner Circle Of Fire will focus on the Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) and is rated the equal $13 favourite with reigning Cup champion Without A Fight and Via Sistina’s stablemate Soulcombe.
