Winning jockey John Allen has enjoyed a day to remember at Flemington, riding Kenedna to her second Group 2 victory in the $200,000 Matriarch Stakes (2000m).

Sitting tight against the rail around the final turn, the five-year old mare shifted to a two-wide position over the final furlong to burst through and win by three-quarters of a length.

It was yet another textbook ride from Zahra, who rode Ringerdingding to a win three races earlier.

“She was a great little filly, had a lot of fun with her as a three-year old,” Zahra said after the win.

Punters might remember Kenedna from her three-year old days, where she won five of her 12 starts, including the Group 2 Magic Millions Roses. 

“She had a great three-year old career, she just lost her way a little bit last prep, but Darren (Weir) and the team got her back to her very best, and on a good day she can be a really good filly” Zahra went on to say.

Backing up from a very soft and disappointing display in last weekend’s Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes (1600m), Kenedna looked keen early on in the Matriarch, a sign we’ve come to expect from this experienced Flemington speedster.

After deciding against getting her into foal however, champion Darren Weir thought it might be worthwhile to give her another prep.

“She didn’t come up last preparation, the plan was to get her in foal,” Weir said following Saturday’s win.

“For some reason she’s developed so much, and she’s become big and strong.”

Like days past, Kenedna once again came through for punters who jumped on at $9.00 odds with Ladbrokes. 

The plan ahead looks uncertain, but for now, Weir seems to think there is still some potential after training his first ever Matriarch winner.

“It’s a dream result, she was a great three-year old, but there was a bit of upside to her still” Weir said.

Miss Siska, the $6.00 favourite, and Luvaluva ran home strongly for second and third.