"I think Pa kept the horse trotting for me"
IF EVER there was a well-earned Group One win, it came at Tabcorp Park Melton tonight.
Sure there are numerous occasions throughout the season where a top shelf victory is warranted and deserved, but the latest in the long line just gives the feeling of being above most.
Having her 59th Group One drive, popular reinswoman Rebecca Bartley broke her maiden at the highest level after partnering Locksley Lover to glory in a Vicbred Super Series Final.
Naturally thrilled with her moment in the spotlight, Bartley credited an angel on her shoulder for the highlight.
"I'm as relieved as I am excited," Bartley said. "I was hoping it would happen one day and would have preferred if it happened sooner than it did, but it wasn't meant to be until now.
"It's been nearly 12 months since Pa (John) died and when I was in the parade ring I looked up and asked him to come with me.
"Up the straight the horse was getting rough in his gait and I think Pa kept the horse trotting for me."
Beginning well from the pole, Locksley Lover gained the run of the race behind the leader, Dont Care, which found the front from barrier two.
Finishing stoutly along the sprint lane, Locksley Lover dashed to a two-and-a-half metre win from Dont Care, with Aldebaran Zeus two-and-a-half metres away third.
"I was confident with him, but knew he needed a good run and we got that," Bartley said. "Up straight I was thinking 'just keep trotting' as the line got closer."
Rating 1:58.7 over 2240 metres, the son of Love You also provided trainer John Nissen with his initial Group One success.
"I felt he was in the top three and it was a matter of which one got the right run, which was him," Nissen said. "He's been a genuine horse from the get go and has always been capable of winning a race like this.
"I will give him a little let up now, but he doesn't need a major break as he's a happy horse and feeling good.
"A race like the Great Southern Star is something that would suit him with the heat and Final in one night, so I may head that way with him early next season."
