Declan Bates has no concerns with drawing barrier seven aboard Pride Of Jenni in Saturday’s Group 1 Memsie Stakes, which has attracted a field of eight runners.
“I’ll take that for sure,” Bates said.
“Obviously, you can’t control what barrier you have, I think any barrier I got, I’d take really, it shouldn’t be an issue.
“Generally, I’m happy to be drawn outside plenty of them just so it gives me the chance to take my time early. Seven of eight, it’s probably ideal.”
How rival riders approach Bates and his bold front-running mare on Saturday will be fascinating, but the Irishman isn’t bothered by the prospect of receiving some pressure in the run from his opposition.
“Everyone knows her at this stage, I’ve always said, if someone’s going to go quick enough, I can take a sit,” Bates said.
“It’s just that generally, it hasn’t materialised that anyone else has gone quicker than what she’s comfortable doing. I’m just going to come out and ride her wherever she’s comfortable and the likely scenario is I’m in front.
“It’s probably up to the others how they approach it, whether they take me on or look to take the sit.”
Pride Of Jenni has received a great deal of media attention ever since her phenomenal triumph in the G1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick in April.
Four-and-a-half months later, Bates admitted that he’s looking forward to getting back to business on the Ciaron Maher-trained mare, as she attempts to claim her fourth G1 victory this weekend.
“It’s been a long winter, I’ve just put it out of my mind, been focusing on the job and it’s probably only now that acceptances have come out that I’m starting to dissect the race and starting to get a bit excited,” Bates said.
Sportsbet has Pride Of Jenni at $2.70 in its Memsie market.
Pride Of Jenni won’t be the only Jenni that Bates will ride on Saturday at Caulfield, as he’ll also partner Jennipending in the opening race and Jennilala in the final event on the card.
Jennilala will head into the Sportsbet Same Race Multi Handicap first-up and will have to overcome an awkward draw from the tricky 1400-metre start.
“She’s one I’ve always had a big opinion of too,” Bates said.
“She’s galloping really well; she’s been trialling well and she goes well fresh.
“I think the older she’s getting, the better she’s getting. She’s certainly come back as good, if not possibly better, than ever.
“I’m actually really looking forward to her as well.”
Jennilala is at $9 in Sportsbet’s market for the 10th race at Caulfield.
– racing.com
