Tye Angland has no expectation of reeling in Brenton Avdulla in the race to the Sydney jockeys’ premiership.
Far from being defeatist, the former junior rodeo rider is already content to have ticked off a significant career milestone.
Angland is third on the premiership table with 63 metropolitan wins, three more than his previous best when he was Sydney’s champion apprentice in 2006/07.
He spent four years in Hong Kong and returned to Sydney in 2014.
“It’s taken a few years, but I’ve finally beaten it,” Angland said.
The 28-year-old is also closing on his personal best for wins statewide, the 127 he recorded in 2006/07.
Angland approaches Saturday’s meeting at Rosehill with 121 winners thanks to a treble at Gosford on Thursday.
He has a book of seven rides and designs on bridging the gap on Avdulla’s closest rival, Blake Shinn.
Avdulla leads with 79 winners, 13 clear of Shinn.
Angland has Avdulla covered in one respect. He was ridden five Group One winners this season, an indication his stocks are on the rise.
His association with The Everest-bound Gerald Ryan-trained Trapeze Artist, who he rode to Group One glory in the Golden Rose, TJ Smith and All Aged Stakes is one vital relationship.
Another is with David Payne and his Spring Champion Stakes and Victoria Derby winner, Ace High.
Angland has two rides for Ryan at Rosehill, Curdled and Harper’s Choice, while the Garry Frazer-trained Playard in The Dark Horse Handicap (1500m) provides a timely link to Angland’s past.
Angland did his apprenticeship with Frazer at Hawkesbury and is married to the trainer’s daughter Erin.
“Garry worked me hard, which was tough at the time, but it definitely made me a better person and a better rider,” Angland said.
He could not pinpoint a time this season when he felt he was tracking for a personal best in Sydney.
“I wouldn’t say I’ve had a real peak through the season,” he said.
“It’s all about support and I’ve been lucky enough to have good stable support. When you’re riding well you’re full of confidence and you make the right decisions.”
Angland hopes to open his book in winning style on Irish Bet, the $3.90 TAB second elect in the Spring Carnival On Sale Monday Handicap (1200m).
The colt claimed the Inglis Nursery (1000m) on debut in December, and returns from a spell after dealing with stomach issues.
“He obviously won that Inglis race and they put him out for a bit. I trialled him in March and he’s obviously a nice two-year-old,” Angland said.
