Pride Of Jenni reaffirmed her status as a racing powerhouse with a commanding victory in the Sportsbet Peter Young Stakes (1800m), proving she remains a force to be reckoned with.

Trainer Ciaron Maher’s national assistant, Jack Turnbull, was in awe of the mare’s dominant performance, calling her “a freak of nature.”

Originally retired last spring after suffering a bleeding episode, Pride Of Jenni was given a second chance by owner Tony Ottobre, a decision that paid off spectacularly as the seven-year-old returned in top form.

Ottobre also made a key change in the saddle, booking Craig Newitt for the ride, and the partnership clicked instantly. Newitt commended Ottobre for taking the risk and credited Maher’s team for expertly preparing the mare for her comeback.

Newitt was patient early, allowing Pride Of Jenni to find her rhythm before surging to the lead with 1400m to go.

“When she hit the half-mile, she grabbed the bridle and basically said, ‘Hang on.’ So, I just went with her, and she lifted the tempo,” Newitt said.

He added that she was strong to the finish and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to ride her.

Turnbull noted that Pride Of Jenni had progressed better than expected leading up to the race.

“We kept applying pressure, and she just kept responding. Even this week, she had solid work on Saturday and again on Tuesday. She’s simply a freak of nature, a credit to herself,” he said.

Looking ahead, the Australian Cup is the likely next target for the star mare.

Pride Of Jenni ($3.80) powered home to win by two and three-quarter lengths, holding off Zardozi ($2.10 fav) in second, with Bois D’Argent ($16) finishing third.

Newitt revealed that Ottobre had instructed him not to use the whip, but he had to make an exception at the top of the straight.

“She completely relaxed under me turning for home, and I thought she might be tiring. So, I gave her one around the tail, and she just shifted gears and took off,” he said.