Trainer David Brideoake says missing a run in Sydney may lead to Princess Jenni winning a Group One race in Adelaide.
Princess Jenni swooped late from a rearwards position with a big weight to land Saturday’s Jack Elliott Handicap (1600m) at Caulfield.
Brideoake is now looking towards the Group One Australasian Oaks at Morphettville on May 4 after being forced to miss the Australian Oaks at Randwick on April 13.
Princess Jenni was scratched from the Adrian Knox Stakes at Randwick on April 6 after Racing NSW stewards held suspicions the filly had received illegal raceday treatment.
Missing that race forced Brideoake to abandon plans of an Australian Oaks start, forcing the trainer to look at the Adelaide option.
“They scratched her because they suspected there had been a pre-race treatment so we’ll have to deal with that in due course,” Brideoake said.
“It cost me a run on the day and a run in the Australian Oaks, but at the end of the day sometimes it works the right way and she’ll now go to Adelaide and she’ll be a strong chance over there.”
Brideoake considered Princess Jenni a strong chance of beating Verry Elleegant in last week’s Oaks.
“It’s a big call, but she’s in rare air this filly,” Brideoake said.
Ridden by Damien Oliver, Princess Jenni ($6.50) scored a short-half-head win over Sure Knee ($5) with Collectable ($9.50) 2-3/4 lengths away third.
Brideoake thought the 60kg impost may stop Princess Jenni but said the filly had done a big job to haul in the opposition.
“It was the effort of a good horse,” Brideoake said.
“She’s a really good filly, with great quality and with a great recovery rate.
“I’ve got a good filly on my hands.”