The tough-as-nails mare notched her fourth Group-race success, edging out the heavily-backed imported stayer Pondus by a short-head, ahead of the Archie Alexander-trained Haky, who ran a gallant race for third.

This year's Cup was the first in the race's storied history to be run without spectators- with the exception of a few owners - but produced a finish worthy of a packed house.

With McNeil producing a gem of a ride, Princess Jenni was able to dispel any doubts over her ability to stay the 2400m distance by staving off not only Joseph O'Brien's fast-finishing import Pondus, but a strong field of challengers.

The race was marred early when the Bendigo-trained mare Super Girl broke down on leaving the straight the first time and later had to be put down.

Despite finishing no closer than fifth in five runs this preparation and beating home just one runner at her last start in the Group 3 Coongy Handicap (2000m), Brideoake could not fault Princess Jenni's preparation.

"She's such a good horse and, honestly, this preparation she hasn't done anything wrong, she's just had a series of gates and bits and pieces that didn't allow us to get a result," he said.

"But, today it is a good result."

Brideoake said the notable addition of earmuffs on Princess Jenni had achieved the desired result.

Brideoake said the notable addition of earmuffs on Princess Jenni had achieved the desired result.

"Her first couple of runs this time were with earmuffs and then we took them off when we were back at the mile and put them back on today," he said.

Brideoake said Princess Jenni would likely head to the Group 2 Matriarch Stakes at Flemington on November 7, but he had resisted the temptation of aiming the mare towards this year's Group 1 Melbourne Cup.

"We just didn't get enough mile-and-a-half work into her. There's always next year," he said.

"She's just such a good horse and I knew she was in good shape, to lift like that. But the ride, the ride was outstanding."

It was a second Cup win in eight days for McNeil following his victory the previous Wednesday aboard Steel Prince in the $400,000 Geelong Cup, also a Group 3 event.

McNeil was full of praise for the mare, who recorded her fifth career win in 18 starts.

"Her form probably wasn't the best going into it, but a small little gear change and everything going well during the race, she put her best foot forward and it was quite a nice performance, I thought," he said.

"I was travelling so well before the turn that I nearly fell into the trap of improving too early, but she was starting to peak a little bit on her run late.

"The race was over by then and the way things went during the race it was just perfect."

Second on Pondus, Damian Lane said the gelding had run a really good race, while Jamie Kah could not question the performance of third placegetter Haky.

"He's just not jumping well. He missed the start and that probably cost us, honestly," she said.

"I think he probably would have won if he jumped cleanly and was on the pace."

After finishing fifth on Lebrowski, champion jockey, who won the 2019 Cup on Top of the Range, said: "I had better memories last year (winning).

"He had his chance. He just wasn't good enough today."

The only previous Bendigo Cup winner in the field, Red Alto ran a solid race to finish eighth for trainer Brent Stanley after only gaining a start following a trio of scratchings.

2020 Group 3 Apiam Bendigo Cup (2400m)

1st: Princess Jenni (David Brideoake/Jye McNeil) - $26

2nd: Pondus (Joseph O'Brien/Damian Lane) - $3.80F

3rd: Haky (Archie Alexander/Jamie Kah) - $12i

Winning Time: 2:29.32 Last 600m: N/A

Margins: Short Head x 2L

Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.