WILD scenes erupted from connections of Jameka at the 2016 Melbourne Cup barrier draw on Saturday night after Woolsthorpe’s Janice McKenna drew the plum barrier three for the four-year-old mare for the $6-million cup on Tuesday.
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McKenna, wife of senior part-owner Colin said she was nervous when it was time to pick the barrier for Jameka.
“I think there was 14 miniature Melbourne Cups left in front of me when I was called to the stage,” she said.
“I knew we wanted to draw from barrier two to 12, but I was worried as a few of the good barriers had already been drawn and wide barriers were still on the table.
“I was over the moon when I drew number three. It's an great barrier for Jameka.”
Trainer Ciaron Maher was excited with barrier three for the Caulfield Cup-winning mare.
“It's an ideal barrier for Jameka,” Maher said.
“Barrier three gives jockey Nick Hall plenty of options.
“We've got no complaints; we could not have got a better barrier.
“Jameka is in great order. I'm very happy with her progress from the Caulfield Cup. Her work has been as good as before her Caulfield Cup win.
“Nick really understands Jameka as he rides her in a lot of her work, which is a great bonus.
“It's very exciting to have a horse that has a real chance of winning the Cup.”
Jameka is attempting to become the 12th horse to win the Caulfield–Melbourne Cup double. Bookmakers have rated her a $7.50 chance to win the race that stops a nation.
