PUNTERS often find themselves asking which option is the best bet.
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Well, those who placed their bets on Phoebe Betts at Bathurst's harness racing meeting on Wednesday night would have been cheering.
It is because she steered a winning double for the first time in her career.
The 16-year-old has only been driving competitively in races for 10 months and has already notched up nine career victories.
The two most recent came courtesy of the Chris Frisby-trained brothers Our Uncle Jim ($26) and Our Uncle Dan ($2.70) on Wednesday.
"I really have to thank Chris. He's been giving me a really good go," Betts said.
The junior driver's first victory of the night was aboard Our Uncle Jim - a runner who was fifth in the line of betting.
Landing in the one-out-two-back position and securing a good trip throughout, Betts commenced the four-year-old's run 500 metres from home.
Our Uncle Jim swooped around the field to out-sprint rivals, giving the gelding his first win this season at only his second start.
Betts then had to wait until the end of the night for her second victory, but it was well worth the wait.
Two-year-old Our Uncle Dan worked forward from his wide barrier eight draw and was able to find the lead.
The gelding then proved too strong for his rivals to chase down in the run to the line.
"We were expecting Our Uncle Dan to be pretty hard to beat but the other fella was a bit of a surprise for all of us really," the young reinswoman admitted.
"He has been working good but you just never know with him."
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While Betts' professional driving career is still in its infancy, she has been sitting in the sulky for over 10 years.
Growing up, the concession driver was involved in mini trotting and raced her miniature ponies for 10 years prior to advancing up to driving standardbreds.
With aspirations to one day train her own team of horses, Betts currently works with her mother Monica's team of horses, as well as helping trainers Frisby and Amanda Turnbull.
Having been involved with many of Bathurst's leading trainers, Betts says she owes a lot to her parents.
"Mum and Dad would have to be my biggest influence," she said. "They've taught me a lot."
Heading forward, the young reinswoman is looking to continue her racing career full time, with her dream being to one day win a Gold Crown final.
