Wakeling with two good chances for breakthrough win at Cambridge tonight

By Jordyn Bublitz 

Jade Wakeling will head to Cambridge Raceway tonight with two genuine opportunities to notch up her first race day victory as she continues to settle into life in the sulky.

After earning her licence earlier this year, Wakeling has already had seven race day drives, with the former Environmental Science student quickly adapting to the competitive side of harness racing after initially joining Stonewall Stud as a casual worker while studying at university.

While she admits race-night driving has been a learning curve, the 22-year-old says she has loved every minute of it so far.

“It’s a bit different to the trials that’s for sure!” Wakeling laughed.

“It’s all been quite exciting and I’m loving it so far, I just need a bit of luck.”

Despite the nerves that naturally come with being a junior driver, Wakeling says she is beginning to feel more comfortable every time she heads onto the track.

“I definitely get nervous before I’m out there, but once I’m on the track it just feels normal.”

Wakeling’s first opportunity tonight comes aboard Captain Moonlight in Race 3, the Dunstan Horsefeeds Junior Driver Mobile Pace (6.44pm), with the four-year-old son of Always B Miki drawing ideally in barrier two.

The entire has had three starts back this campaign in strong company, with his latest effort compromised after doing work early before sitting parked throughout.

Wakeling believes the draw and class relief should play in their favour for tonight’s assignment.

“I drove him two starts ago and we led, he probably didn’t kick on as well as I had hoped, but we’ve made a few gear changes so hopefully he’ll perk up a bit more.”

“We’ve drawn good, he’s got gate speed so he should get off the gate well and land handy.”

“He should be up there with them, I think he fits well in this field compared to his recent starts.”

Wakeling later partners Cyamate in the Hoarding Signs Available At Cambridge Raceway Mobile Pace (7.39pm), with the gelding also drawing barrier two after a solid fresh-up effort.

“He went good last start, he tried hard, just probably didn’t suit sitting parked.”

“He just had to work a wee bit too much sat there, he’s only a wee horse but he tried his hardest!”

“He ran on quite good so I was pretty happy with him, hopefully he can go alright again.”

Wakeling said regularly driving both horses in trackwork has helped to build her confidence heading into this evening's racing.

“I drive them both pretty regularly at home so it helps that I know them quite well.”

“They’ve both worked very good this last week, I was impressed with Captain Moonlight’s work the other day.”

When asked to split the pair, Wakeling narrowly sided with Captain Moonlight.

“I’m going to say Captain Moonlight, he’s just a wee bit of a stronger horse and this is a field that should really suit him.”

“He likes to be at the head of the field so the draw should help him.”