Quaker Jet mare lands Group 1 victory

It was only yesterday that Victorian harness racing driver Jason Lee found out he was driving talented trotting mare Im Ready Jet in the Group 1 Maori Mile at Bendigo tonight.

Lucky he did, as the pair came away with a stellar victory in the $50,000 feature.

“Yesterday I was looking through the fields and saw my name beside her,” said Lee.

“She’s a lovely mare and it’s great to get the drive tonight.”

With previous experience behind the daughter of Quaker Jet, Lee was filling in for reinsman Jack Laugher and after starting from barrier eight, was positioned behind the leader early.

That leader was $1million earner Tornado Valley and the first three quarters were rolled through in 27.5, 31.4 and 28.5 seconds.

As soon as he could, Lee angled Im Ready Jet into the sprint lane where she unleashed a quick turn of foot to overcome the final sectional of 28.0 seconds and hold off Majestic Man and the pace setter.

The mile rate was 1:55.4.

“We had a few things go our way but we still had to do it and she was still sharp enough to finish it off at the end,” said Lee.

“I hadn’t driven her for a while but I’ve always said she is the best trotter I’ve ever driven and I’ve driven some nice trotters.

“She is the quickest trotter I’ve driven and has sheer speed.”

Raced by Yabby Dam Farms, Im Ready Jet is trained by Anton Golino.

The five-year-old has a record of 15 wins and eight placings in 33 starts and with earnings of $281,600, is the richest progeny of Quaker Jet.

To view the results from Bendigo on Saturday night click here.

By Amanda Rando for Harnesslink