Pride Of Jenni out of King Charles III Stakes

Pride Of Jenni has been scratched from the $5 million King Charles III Stakes at Randwick after a minor skin infection ruled her out of the Group 1 mile.

Owner Tony Ottobre said the mare’s temperature and blood results were satisfactory, but connections would not risk her health by proceeding with the Everest Day assignment.

The Ciaron Maher-trained mare was set to clash with Autumn Glow and two-time defending champion Ceolwulf after resuming with a victory in the Feehan Stakes.

Her absence leaves Autumn Glow and Ceolwulf as the dominant contenders in a race whose small field now appears likely to produce a tactical contest between the pair.

Pride Of Jenni will instead target the Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Victoria Derby day, October 31.