9 October, 2003
She's best known as one of Australia's premier
drivers, but it's Jodi Quinlan's (pictured) training feats that see her
in the spotlight at Moonee Valley tomorrow night.
The pint-sized dynamo will gear up two runners,
Miracal Cloud and Vertical Horizon, in the $15,000 Melton Waves - Leisureco
Claiming Masters Final and rates both highly.
"I think they've both got really good
chances," Quinlan declared.
"I said last week that they were great each way
chances and I think it's the same story this week.
"There's not much between them on ability,
Vertical Horizon's probably got a touch more brilliance, but one's drawn the
pole and the other 11.
"I thought they both went great in their heats.
Miracal Cloud got hammered in front and they only swallowed him up in the last
30 (metres) and Vertical Horizon ran on really well."
Quinlan has elected to keep the reins on Vertical
Horizon (gate 11) and has called on her best friend, Kerryn Gath, to pilot the
stablemate.
"Miracal Cloud should hold the lead early and
then it's up to Kerryn what she does from there," Quinlan explained.
"I'm driving Vertical Horizon and if he can get a
cart into it he'll be very hard to beat.
"I think Chris' (Alford) horse (Earlsplace Ego)
is the one to beat. He sprints very quickly so I'd like to be in front of
him."
Aside from the Claiming Masters Final she'll also be
in action on Walk Of Life (Race 2), Andandon (Race 6) and Braeside Seel Star
(Race 7) at Moonee Valley and believes all are capable of figuring in the
money.
Quinlan prepares her small team from the Melton
stables of Merv Williamson, but has recently purchased her own property at
nearby Parwan.
Specialising in, but not restricted to, claimers,
she's trained 51 winners throughout her career with an impressive 46% of her
starters earning a cheque.
Last season was a whirlwind one for the popular
reinswoman who piloted a career high 162 winners, in the process passing 500
lifetime victories.
She also tasted her first Group 1 success when Petes
Dream saluted in the Ladyship Mile, and starred alongside former Neighbours
starlet Krista Vendy as the face of the Sky Channel Nights Of Glory.
The $15,000 Melton Waves - Leisureco Claiming Masters
Final will be run at 10.17pm (AET).
