Right first time, for Ottley
SAMANTHA Ottley got Harness Jewels day off to a fairytale start at Cambridge Raceway yesterday.
She was experiencing the white hot jewels atmosphere for the first time but there’s no way she was going to be overawed by the occasion.
Driving a perfect race she landed Rocker Band the winner of the Four Year Old Diamond beating Expressive Victor and race favourite Democrat Party.
‘‘It’s the best day of my life,’’ an excited Ottley said.
Woodend trainer Mark Jones was delighted for Ottley and happy to entrust her with the important drive.
‘‘She is a good young driver who cops a bit of criticism at times,’’ he said.
‘‘I was given a lot of opportunities during my driving career and I’d like to do the same for Sam.
‘‘It was a great drive, she did everything spot on.’’
Rocker Band is owned in Australia by Greg Brodie who wasn’t on track for the $150,000 race run in 1:53.39.
‘‘I’ve trained for him for about 15 years and I haven’t met him yet,’’ Jones quipped.
‘‘She will be a broodmare one day and today was the mare’s Melbourne Cup and wedding day rolled into one.’’
Ottley left the course with a 100 per cent Jewels record, Rocker Band her sole drive for the day.
Rocker Band started second favourite behind Democrat Party, the winner backed in with TAB bookies during the week from an opening quote of $10 to as short as $4.40.
The daughter of Rocknroll Hanover and Mainland Banner paid $5.30 on the tote.
Another favourite was rolled when $1.50 shot Enghien failed to flatter, breaking twice in the Two Year Old Ruby won by the Purdon-Rasmussen runner Custodian. Despite veering out sharply near the winning post, the Muscle Mass gelding, in the hands of Mark Purdon, clung on to beat Heavyweight Hero and Habibi Inta.