Trots Centre: Bettor late than never for this Lady

If there was ever a doubt about Emma Stewart's training capabilities, one need just take one look at the formlines of My Bettor Lady.

Purchased by Jamie Durnberger-Smith as a tried horse out of New Zealand and then syndicated out to other owners, the mare had six unsuccessful runs in South Australia before being sent to Victoria.

Since being in Stewart's care, the daughter of Bettors Delight has gone unbeaten with five successive odds-on wins at Ballarat (twice), Melton, Terang and Shepparton.

Ben Kelly, whose family holds the majority share in the ownership, admits he thought he'd pulled the wrong rein when My Bettor Lady failed to fire in SA.

"We thought maybe we'd bought the wrong one because at the time Jamie brought two or three older geldings over (from New Zealand) and we went with the mare option," Kelly, 36, said.

"When she opened up $1.30 or something silly in the first race (for Stewart in May), it kind of surprised us. Having a look at her Adelaide form, how could you back her?

"This Saturday is going to be the real test when she gets up in grade and races a bit better field."

Kelly said My Bettor Lady endured a few issues while with Jake Webster and he felt sorry for the trainer/driver.

"We were sceptical even sending her to Melbourne - this thing can't run out of sight on a dark night," he said. "Then it comes back to just changing a couple of little things in feed and work and it's proven right."

Without wanting to be greedy, Kelly is hoping the winning run can continue for some time so the family's colours can be worn to victory. As it stands, drivers keep the same jackets for an entire meeting as part of the industry's strict COVID-19 protocols.

"Everyone in our family is in the horse and this is the first time we've had a pacer in the family colours, but due to coronavirus in Melbourne she hasn't been able to go around in our colours," he said. "We are still waiting for the pool room photo with the family colours.

"We are based in Sydney and we've been trying to go down for a race - my Mum is very passionate about her horses - but unfortunately we haven't been able to get down there."

Jodi Quinlan will again take the drive on My Bettor Lady, who has drawn barrier one for the Smartline Personal Mortgage Advisers Pace (2150m, mares NR 70 to 120) at Saturday night's Bendigo meeting.

TALKING TROTS ON SENTRACK:

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