Pint-sized teenage apprentice Anthony Allen is nothing if not a realist.
Allen takes the next step in his embryonic career when he heads to Eagle Farm for two rides at only his third appearance at a metropolitan Saturday meeting.
The 19-year-old had his first ride at Lismore in 2009 and while he hasn’t rewritten the record books just yet, he is happy with his progress and has notched 48 country winners and one provincial winner at the Gold Coast.
His immediate goal is to win this season’s apprentices’ title at Grafton and is determined to then take the next step and become a regular fixture at city meetings at the end of the season.
“It’s a tough industry to break into and I know I have a long way to go,” Allen said.
“But I love riding winners and riding at Eagle Farm against the best jockeys in Queensland will be a great experience.
“It will be a huge buzz for me when I ride my first metropolitan winner and I’d love to do it on Saturday.”
Apprenticed to John Shelton at Grafton, Allen has two rides for Gold Coast trainer Scott Morrisey and will open his account on Strategic filly Kiss This in the $50,000 Racing Retro QTIS Fillies Handicap (1000m).
Kiss This won decisively on debut over 800m at Ipswich last Saturday when ridden by Luke Rolls and gets into Saturday’s race a kilogram under the minimum after Allen’s three-kilo claim.
Allen’s next engagement comes aboard consistent gelding Bruleur in the Coca Cola Amatil Handicap (1000m).
Bruleur will carry just 53.5kg after Allen’s allowance and the horse is well drawn to get the run of the race off gate three.
“I’m very grateful to Scott for giving me this opportunity and I just want to ride them well and give them both every chance,” Allen said.
“They are both good chances and it will be great experience to be riding against the top jockeys.”
AAP TURF
