Hard-working mum hoping for two-state double

WHILE staying at home nursing her newborn, prominent horsewoman Alyce Finnis will be paying as much attention as possible to the television tomorrow night.

Last March Finnis and her husband, Jayson, welcomed their third child – Tilly – who is the younger sister of Judd and Sadie.

As for Finnis’ Saturday evening, she’ll be cheering for runners in two states, with the duo racing several hours apart.

Art Jester is poised to contest the opening event at Tabcorp Park Melton, while Lethal Louie is engaged in the time-honoured St Leger at Globe Derby.

“I won’t be going to either track, but it still makes for a busy night,” Finnis said. “Jayson will drive Art Jester, while my parents will take Lethal Louie to Globe Derby.

“Kids permitting, I’ll be doing my best to be glued to the television to cheer them on.”

A last start winner in Melton, Art Jester has drawn barrier five over 1720 metres.

“He is in great form, but this is another step up,” Finnis said. “That said, we still expect him to go well.”

Boasting five wins from six starts this season, Lethal Louie has drawn barrier four against a “very even field”.

To be driven by Michael Smith, the son of Sweet Lou is the $3 second favourite, with Victorian raider, Cheerstolou, heading the market at $2 from gate five.

“We can’t have asked for much more from him this time in,” Finnis said. “He hasn’t set a hoof wrong and is ready to run another good race.

“It is only a small, but very even field, so it won’t be an easy task.

“No matter which one wins it wouldn’t be a surprise.”