Barrier draws have shattered her confidence, but Ellen Bartley is still excited for her first shot at a group one.
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The Coleambally trainer is only person to qualify more than one horse for the $100,000 Regional Championships final.
Partner Blake Jones drove both Western Sonador and Brooklyns Best to heat victories for her, along with Cee Cee Ambro for Wayne Sullivan, however Bartley will have her first group one drive on Brooklyns Best at Riverina Paceway on Friday.
While Jared Kahlefeldt was an option with his family's association with the mare, the 26-year-old decided she wanted to see out what has been a up and down journey to the final.
"I was tossing up between me and Jared but thought I've done all the hard work with her so I might as well reap the benefits," Bartley said.
"It's not like there is any pressure on her anymore anyway."
Bartley secured the first and the last places in Wagga's first group one.
Western Sonador eased to victory from a wide alley to start the series while Brooklyns Best dictated terms in front to make the most of her second chance.
After showing brilliant gate speed to win the final heat last week, Brooklyns Best has drawn 10 for the final.
It was just part of a devastating blow for the partnership when the draws were released on Tuesday with Western Sonador coming up with barrier 12.
"It's not the end of the world but when you have a horse who is electric of the gate I wouldn't have cared if she drew eight," Bartley said.
"I just would have liked to have drawn the front row and Sonador ever since I've had him he's drawn one once but has never had a good barrier draw.
"I obviously wasn't praying to the right people."
The pair tasted group one racing for the first time last season but after Forever Yin galloped out in the Vicbred Super Series Final last season they are hoping for more luck this time around.
Whereyabinboppin has been backed into a $1.28 favourite but despite the poor draw Western Sonador has also been well supported, coming in from $12 to be the $6.50 second elect, while Brooklyns Best is on the third line of betting despite drifting to $9.50 from an opening quote of $8.
Bartley is pleased with how both horses come into the final, especially after Brooklyns Best had to be scratched from the first round of heats due to a hoof abscess.
"I'm really happy especially with her," she said.
"I was a bit worried she might be a little bit flat but she is bouncing out of her since.
"Sonador has had the two weeks between runs and he is feeling pretty fresh too."
She still expects good performances from the pair despite their starting points.
"The pressure is definitely off from the draws but if we can weave some magic at the start they both should punch through fairly good," Bartley said.
"They are both following horses who have a lot of gate speed so you never know.
"It's only a bad draw after the race someone told me."
Bartley also has Sports Candy in the A consolation of the series while Rocky Branach is set for the B consolation, unless there is a scratching.
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