By Jordyn Bublitz
Emily Johnson is gearing up for a busy night at her home track tonight.
She’ll take the reins behind four runners at Cambridge Raceway, with two drives for her employer Sean McCaffrey, and one each for Todd Mitchell and Craig Sharpe.
Her first engagement of the night comes in Race 1, the Wednesday Quiz Night At The Clubhouse Handicap Trot, where she partners the promising three-year-old trotter Ya Eejit Ya. The gelding finds himself in a slightly easier field after a solid fifth at Alexandra Park, where he was doing his best work late after being held up in traffic. Back on his home track, where he scored a win two starts ago, Johnson is optimistic.
“He’s been working good, there’s nothing to suggest he won’t run a good race but the 2700m trip could be a bit of a question mark for him,” she said.
“I thought he was really good last start, he probably blew out a little at the end but overall, he ran well.”
Later in the evening, Johnson will drive debutante Blinx in Race 2 – the Pie Night In The Skyline Lounge Aug 28th Mobile Pace. The two-year-old filly by Raging Bull is a first starter from the McCaffrey barn and has the advantage of barrier one on debut.
“She’s been doing everything right at home, she’s been working good enough to suggest she has what it takes, but first up we’ll just be looking for a soft run and a bit of education,” Johnson said.
In Race 3, the Tardina Stud – Here For The Horse Mobile Pace, Johnson teams up with Auctioneer, trained by Todd Mitchell. Bred to trot but now racing as a pacer, the son of Orlando Vici comes into the race after a luckless run at Alexandra Park. Despite drawing on the second row tonight, Johnson sees potential upside in the position.
“It probably suits him to be out of the early burn, so the draw should work in his favour,” she explained. “Last start he looked to run a good last half, he’ll likely need the speed on tonight, he’s got a short sharp sprint.”
Rounding out her night, Johnson will guide seasoned campaigner Proviseur in Race 5, the Gobble & Go At The Stables Mobile Pace, for trainer Craig Sharpe. The 10-year-old son of Auckland Reactor ran a bold fifth at Cambridge last week, charging home after settling well back.
“He’s been racing super, Craig’s got him in a really good spot. He’s always thereabouts, he does need the race run to suit but recently he’s been hitting the line really well,” she said.
“This field does look a little tough for him though.”
While all four drives have their merits, Johnson rates Ya Eejit Ya as her best chance of the night. With a return to his home track and a more suitable class, he looks poised for a strong showing. His odds reflect that – he’s currently a $1.80 favourite.
