Apprentice Jackie Beriman will chase the biggest win of her career when she partners Fast And Free in Saturday’s Listed Winter Championship Final at Flemington.
Beriman steered Fast And Free to victory in the seventh heat of the series at Cranbourne and trainer Mick Price quickly booked her to ride the horse in the $150,000 final.
Fast And Free winning the Sportingbet Handicap at Moonee Valley ridden by Jackie Beriman and trained by Mick Price – (photo by Steven Dowden/Race Horse Photos Australia)
“After I won on Fast And Free last start, Mick said to me as soon as I got off him, `you’ve already got the ride’ so that was quite exciting,” Beriman said.
Price said he wanted to continue the successful partnership between horse and rider, which began when Beriman steered Fast And Free to victory at Moonee Valley on June 7.
Fast And Free halted the unbeaten run of highly touted galloper Akavoroun at that meeting and Akavoroun subsequently atoned for his defeat with a strong win at Flemington on June 28.
Beriman regards Akavoroun as Fast And Free’s main danger in the Winter Championship Final, but the young jockey has drawn confidence from the pair’s last meeting.
“The only horse I’m really worried about beating is Akavoroun and Fast And Free has beaten him once before. Hopefully he can do it again,” Beriman said.
Michelle Payne will partner Akavoroun in the feature and Beriman says her rival has also been a mentor who has provided plenty of advice.
“Most of the older female jockeys, when you first start riding they are like your mother and really help you through everything and guide you the right way,” Beriman said.
Beriman will also ride Nautical for trainer Nikki Burke in the Leilani Series Final (1400m).
Beriman rode Nautical to her last-start win at Flemington, which the apprentice said could have been even more impressive had the mare enjoyed a trouble-free run.
“I get along really well with Nikki and she’s a great lady and she’s always put me on,” Beriman said.
“Nautical should be right in the mix on Saturday.”
