Jackie Barker joined forces with leading trainer Emma Stewart on Saturday night to score her maiden winning double at Victorian headquarters.
The young reinswoman saluted with Deedenuto and Always Fast, who were barely troubled on their way to decisive victories.
Deedenuto ($1.90) made it four wins from eight starts since joining the Cardigan stables in the VHRC Metropolitan Pace (second heat, 2240m, NR 70-70) after Barker sent him to the front and allowed him to dictate terms.
The son of Safari was never challenged on his way to a 5.6-metre success, the 10th of a 70-start career.
“He’s absolutely flying at the moment and he’s relaxing really good when he gets to the front, so it makes it a lot more enjoyable to drive him,” said Barker, who had partnered the horse to victory for previous trainer James Warnock.
“He’s a tough bugger and he seems to really enjoy just running along. (The Stewart stable) has done a really great job with him – he just keeps improving all the time.
“These are the drives you always aspire to get and I’m so thankful and very grateful that I’ve got these opportunities.”
Half-an-hour later and Barker was back in the winner’s circle when Always Fast ($1.20) led from start to finish to take out the Evolve Stone Pace (1720m, NR 65-79) by close to five metres.
It was Barker’s first sit behind the Always A Virgin pacer and she liked what she saw.
“I probably had to burn a little bit harder early than what we would have liked to have, but he relaxed really good through the middle and then sprinted home really hard,” she said. “I think he is probably a horse on the up and something to be excited about.”
The four-year-old now has six wins from 15 outings.
The Stewart camp had a night to remember at Tabcorp Park Melton with two further victories on the 10-race card.
Kate Gath took Our Millionaire to the front and won the VHRC Metropolitan Pace (first heat, 2240m, NR 70-79) before Chris Alford helped Somewhere Secret to a narrow victory in the Dynamic Group Print Pace (2240m, NR 80-94).
Alford made it a double when Wobelee returned to winning form in the Alderbaran Park Trot (2240m, NR 78-100).
