Jackie Barker will make another major step forward in her emerging driving career when she takes the reins in two Group 1 Vicbred Super Series finals.
Barker has raced once at the elite level for a down-the-track finish in the Breeders Crown two-year-old trotting boys final last year, but thinks she has a much better chance of success this weekend.
The 23-year-old has been booked to partner Barry Beasley-trained Archleo in the Aldebaran Park Vicbred Super Series final for 4YO trotting boys tomorrow night and Owen Martin’s Marjorie Jean in the Ultimate Machete Vicbred Super Series 4YO mares final on Saturday night.
Barker was upbeat about Archleo’s chances given he claimed an impressive win in the third heat on June 26.
“He’s got a really good chance. We just need a little bit of luck,” she said. “We were sort of hoping for a front row draw, but drew eight on the second row. We are following out Dream Mastar of Kate and Andy Gath’s.
“Our fate rests in Kate’s hands a little bit, but hopefully she can hold up. That would be ideal for us. Otherwise we will just have to hope for some luck.”
The recent triumph at Geelong was Barker’s first drive behind the son of Wishing Stone, which has now won two of his 16 starts.
The Hamilton local looks to have a more difficult assignment with Marjorie Jean, which has drawn poorly in barrier 10.
Barker has only driven the daughter of Blissfull Hall on three occasions and has been pleased with the horse’s progression throughout the series.
“She’s really stepped up throughout the heats and semis. Before that, you wouldn’t have even thought she would probably make the final,” Barker said.
“Even though she’s not really a high-class horse herself, she’s certainly not disgracing herself. It’s not an ideal draw, but that’s just the luck of it.”
Barker, a granddaughter of legendary Hamilton trainer/driver Jim and daughter of Rod, is “super excited” for her two big drives.
“I’m so thankful for the opportunities,” she said. “A month or two ago I wouldn’t have imagined I’d have a drive in even the heats or the semis, (so) to make it to the finals, I owe Owen and Barry a lot. It’s really exciting and I’m really hoping that we can get some good results.”
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