I’m Ready Jet returns with a vengeance at Melton

The capable mare I’m Ready Jet (Quaker Jet) showed that she will be a force to contend with when she scored a narrow harness racing win in the Benstuds Standardbreds Trotters Free For All at Melton last night.

Resuming from a let up I’m Ready Jet was not readily fancied and the sentimental favourite was grand mare Queen Elida who is nearing the end of her illustrious racing career.

The much improved I’m Bobby found the early with a brilliant beginning. From the second line Queen Elida weaved her way through the field and driver Chris Alford was able to front the front as I’m Bobby was content to take the trail.

At this stage I’m Ready Jet was back in the field with a one out and two back trail . Kate Gath on I’m Ready Jet eased out along the back straight with Harry Stamper following as it was obvious that Queen Elida could not shake off her rivals on the final bend. In fact Queen Elida shifted out under pressure which then gave a perfect run to I’m Bobby who sprinted clear. However I’m Ready Jet out wide sustained her run and in the shadows of the post she put her head in front to prevail by just a short half head from I’m Bobby with Harry Stamper running on well for third.

Driver Kate Gath was satisfied following the event.

“She felt terrific actually. She probably got going along the back but she felt good doing it and good to the line.”

“She had her chance to get rundown with the run that I’m Bobby had but her class prevailed. It was so good to win.”

As for a trip to New Zealand to tackle the big races Gath indicated

“We’ll assess that tonight with owner Pat Driscoll. She ran really well tonight obviously a slowly run race early but a solid last quarter so it’ll be up to him and Andy (the trainer) to discuss it and see what they want to do.”

“Andy enjoys training for Pat, he’s put so much money into the sport and deserves the success he gets.”

Queen Elida is still trying to close in on the $1 million stake earnings and she will have her last run at Melton next week in a Free For All before returning to New Zealand to tackle the TAB Trot at Cambridge on April 4 before her final start in the Rowe Cup at Auckland on May 2.

However if I’m Ready Jet makes the trip she will be a worthy Australian representative.

For complete race results, click here.

By Tony Milanese for Harnesslink