She loves him and he loves her...they have a special bond
IT WILL be "well past her bedtime" but Bridie Saunderson will be front and centre to cheer for her best friend at Tabcorp Park Melton tomorrow night.
Saunderson is the daughter of horsewoman Nicole Lear who is set to contest a Vicbred Super Series Final with the only member of her stable, My Jerry.
Although prepared by Lear - who is in her first season as a trainer - the trotter is pretty much controlled by Bridie, who celebrated her fourth birthday yesterday.
"She is his biggest fan," Lear said. "She loves him and he loves her.
"They have grown up together since he was a yearling and they have a special bond.
"For example, he has a cheeky character and will have a little bite of everyone but her.
"He's so gentle with her, seeks out her attention and puts up with whatever she is doing.
"It's going to be a big night for all of us, I know I'm thrilled just being in the field, but Bridie will be in her element."
Boasting two wins and three seconds from his last five starts, My Jerry earned his berth in the Group One when runner-up in a heat in Maryborough a fortnight ago.
To be driven by Greg Sugars, the son of Bacardi Lindy has drawn the middle of the back row.
TAB Fixed Odds have the three-year-old among the outsiders at $41, with Cravache Dor a $1.12 hot shot from barrier five.
"I'm very excited and nervous, but I'm always nervous before his races as I want him to trot and do everything right," Lear said.
"He has done everything right in his last four or five starts as he is starting to learn what it is all about.
"He's now got half hopples on and Dad (Wayne) tried a lot of different shoes on him to get his gait smoother."
Along with chanting for a My Jerry win to end the year on a happy note, Bridie also has another wish she wants her mother to deliver in 2023!
"Trent and I are expecting our second child in April and Bridie wants a little sister," Lear said. "The odds of that happening are better than winning the Final, but I will be thrilled if he can run a placing, especially from the tough draw."
