Trainer Danielle Cunningham and apprentice jockey Carla Dougherty will be out to repeat their most important win together with Aimalac Millie at Grafton on Tuesday.
Aimalac Millie’s half-brother Aimalac Bobby provided rookie trainer Cunningham with her first winner at Grafton with Dougherty in the saddle on August 25. It was a special moment for the pair and after an encouraging last start fourth, Cunningham is sure Aimalac Millie can be competitive in the Bloomer Transport Class 3 (1006m).
“She has got the ability and is more forward for her last run which was her first for several weeks,” Cunningham said. “That was a Benchmark 65 race and she is back to a Class 3 so I expect her to run well.”
Cunningham has been involved with racehorses for most of her life assisting her father Paddy until he relocated to Glen Innes and she took out her own licence. From some 15 starters, Cunningham has had the one winner and would love another.
“I only train a couple of horses and manage the Civic Motel in Grafton for my uncle Jim Lloyd who is the major owner of both horses,” she said.
The 32-year-old has been training for five months and rides most of her own trackwork before clocking on for her day job.
The race is also an important one for Korean apprentice jockey Jaei Park who has only had two race rides in Australia for a tenth and a third. He will be legged aboard Supreme Willy who is in career best form with two wins and a second from his past three starts.
Park has had considerable success in Korea and is currently on loan to Coffs Harbour trainer Brett Bellamy.
– Racing NSW
