Hoping to celebrate birthday with a win

ALTHOUGH happy to enjoy an early birthday present with her win in Ballarat last Thursday night, Reagan Clarke hopes to celebrate her special day in grand style this afternoon.

Turning 19 today, Clarke spent the morning without fanfare by working around the stable before preparing for Stawell’s meeting, where she has two drives.

“It was great to get an early birthday win with Monsieur Flamel in Ballarat,” Clarke said. “Monsieur is trained by my Dad (Stephen), so winning a race for him at any time is terrific.

“To get a win today though would be something else.

“I drove in Cranbourne on my birthday last year without any luck, so hopefully I can have better luck this year.

“I’ve got two drives today, so I’m hoping at least one can go my way…two would be just amazing.”

Clarke will begin her quest via the reinswomen-only Kaye Mattews Tribute, where she will partner Hungry Hogarth.

A last start winner for trainer Michael Gadsden, Hungry Hogarth has drawn awkwardly in barrier six.

“He should go alright, but the draw isn’t ideal,” Clarke said. “I expect a lot of speed inside, so we may have to go back and hope for luck.”

Clarke is then poised to drive Quick Decision in the following event, with the daughter of Sweet Lou drawn the inside of the second row.

Clarke partnered the Paul Castle-trained mare to victory in Terang a fortnight ago.

“She should go alright in that field,” Clarke said. “She does like coming from the back, so it’s not a horrible draw for her.

“Pretty much all her wins have been coming from the back, so with a bit of luck, she can do it again today.”