Apprentice jockey with an uncanny knack

The saying ‘back Weir drink beer’ is a popular phase tossed up amongst punters when getting behind the country’s premier trainer, however in-from apprentice Mikayla Weir has been stamping herself on the name recently, riding 10 winners so far in 2018 with ridiculous average winning odds of $18.28.

Backed up by her most recent win on $41 shot Supreme Goddess at Dubbo on the 15th of February, the 24-year-old has given her backers plenty of reasons to cheer this year, riding a majority of her winners at massive odds.

Out of 10 wins so far this year, just a select couple have paid single figures, the rest big outsiders lacking form or out of depth. Not to deter the apprentice however, 2018 has been highlighted by victories on God I’m Hot (Newcastle, $29), Marman (Newcastle, $72.80), Yuralla Boy (Newcastle, $17), Manhattan Road (Port Macquarie, $18.50), Lucy in Disguise (Port Macquarie, $48.50) and No Qualm (Taree, $17.50).

She has also filled the minors at good odds on a number of occasions this year, contributing to her 23 places at 34% in her last 100 rides and 38% in 2018. Having arguably her best season yet and showing plenty of confidence, Weir has 69 winners to her name with average winning odds of 9% complimented by a further 145 minor places at a strike rate of almost 1 in 4, evidently paying handy dividends.

If you are looking to get behind the new ‘back Weir and drink beer concept’, the one-time NSW metropolitan winner has won 4 of 10 rides for trainer Warren Gavenlock at average odds of $12.35, filling the minors in a further 3 and placing at 70%. Taree and Port Macquarie are the most favourable tracks for the young jockey, in the money almost 40% of the time at these venues in the last year.

Mikayla Weir has one ride at Wyong in tomorrow’s meet, $9 shot Denials for Stephen Schofield. She has drawn barrier 6 on the 4-year-old gelding who is yet to place in 9 starts.