While plans to travel overseas are somewhat on the backburner, the Inter Dominion series in Queensland is now on the radar for elite trotting mare Im Ready Jet ahead of her return to the races this Saturday night.
The Anton Golino-trained multiple Group 1 winner adds some real intrigue to what shapes as a cracking edition of the TAB Chris Howe Trotters Free For All at Melton, with Brent Lilley’s gun Queen Elida, John Justice’s top former Kiwi Mufasa Metro and past four-year-old Vicbred champ Locksley Lover helping form a small but quality field of six.
Owner-breeder Pat Driscoll admits the Inter Dominion isn’t at the top of his wish list for Im Ready Jet, but said Golino had indicated his desire to nominate her for the prestigious series in December.
“I’m not a big fan of the four races in two weeks for a mare, but if she’s going okay she might go,” Driscoll said.
“I think the program is pretty open at the moment. We’ll just see how she goes.
“Last year, when she came back, she had lots of little niggles go wrong. This year, I think she has had a pretty good prep.
“Being a bit older, she might take a run or two to get to her best.”
Im Ready Jet is a 20-time winner from 51 career starts, but hasn’t raced since a third placing – behind Queen Elida – in the Group 1 Macarthur Mile at Menangle during May.
She has warmed up for her return with recent trials at Bendigo and Melton, and will be partnered by Nathan Jack this Saturday night.
Earlier this year, Im Ready Jet was crowned the Victorian Aged Trotting Mare of the Year for her standout 2022 season which included victories in the Group 1 Maori Mile and Sumthingaboutmaori Trotters Free For All.
During May, Driscoll revealed his desire to send the horse overseas to race before beginning her life in the breeding barn.
A trip to Europe or the United States is now not high on the agenda, but is not completely off the cards.
“If she is going well, she might go overseas. I’ll just let Anton make the call,” Driscoll said.
Among the highlights on Saturday night’s Melton card is the $25,000 Allied Express Tailamade Lombo for the mares, with Emma Stewart-trained stablemates Tough Tilly, Treachery and Star Celebrity set to do battle.
The return of top New Zealander The Real Sherlock is also noteworthy, with trainer Nathan Purdon forced to scratch the son of Vincent from the Vicbred Super Series finals on Saturday night due to a foot abscess.
He will line-up from the outside gate in the Centre State Printing 3YO Pace.
TUNE IN at MELTON on Saturday
First Race: 5.34pm Last Race: 9.28pm
Racecaller: Dan Mielicki with Rob Auber and Steve Cleave on TrotsVision.
TrotsVision: WATCH LIVE
SEN Track: LISTEN LIVE
RSN 927: LISTEN LIVE
Winner of the Week
EXCEPTIONAL ARMA, by American Ideal out of Arma Express, at Gloucester Park on September 15.
Breed your next winner with Woodlands Stud, supporter of Trots Centre
