It might only be a maiden at Geraldton, but for Tania Guy it’s just as important as a Group 1 race at Flemington.
Guy saddles Our Two Bobs Worth in the Warrick Nevill Property Maiden, her first ever official starter in a race.
For Guy, who had no previous family history in thoroughbred racing, it’s been a decade in the making.
The mother of three cut her teeth with respected Perth trainers Donna Baillie, Simon Barrass and Alan Mathews.
After relocating to Geraldton in 2012 she took the bold and confident step of venturing out on her own.
“I have always had a love of horses since my father bought me a pony as a child,” said Guy.
“Training is something I wanted to do but it has taken a little longer than I expected.
“But after working with good people the timing and environment seemed right.
“I honestly wanted to test the skills I’ve picked up and apply them for myself.”
A dream debut is certainly within the realms of possibility for the fledgling trainer with Two Bobs Worth displaying handy trial form.
The Saxon gelding defeated Nullaki over 1100m on November 22 and ran third to Drop Of A Hat over the same distance two weeks ago.
Nullaki gave a good pointer and franked the form when he finished over the top of Energy Boy on debut last month.
“I was rapt in his trials and it boosted my confidence,” said Guy, “He ran a quicker time in the second trial and was coming home at a fair knot.
“With that in mind he starts off first up over 1313m.
“It’s going to be a tester for him but he hasn’t let me down.
“As long as he gets around safely and shows something going forward I will be more than happy.”
Our Two Bobs Worth, to be ridden by Emma Stent, will jump from barrier five.
Energy Boy, a key rival, has drawn the second widest gate in the field of 12.
Guy admits she is on edge and is like a cat on a hot tin roof but was comforted after some reassuring words from Mathews.
“Alan is my mentor and called to see how I was travelling,” said Guy.
“He told me to be confident and rely on my own instinct.
“He said to take advice and learn from others but that I was the only person who could let myself down.
“He is forthright and honest and tells you like it is.
“He is no fool and he has got the results on the board.”
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