Apprentice Ben Thompson is hoping his introduction to Saturday city racing in Melbourne can coincide with metropolitan success.
But the 19-year-old’s riding commitments on Saturday will not start at Caulfield.
The apprentice is heading to Kilmore for one ride before driving to the Melbourne track for three rides.
“It’s no heavier (a workload) than having trackwork then trials and then riding during the day, which is probably a longer day,” Thompson said.
Thompson, who is apprenticed to Allan Williams, made his metropolitan debut last month at a Sandown midweek meeting.
A placing has so far been his best city result but he has ridden 73 winners in his first 18 months in the saddle.
“I’m just looking forward to competing and doing my best,” he said.
He partners Charlie’s Dream for trainer Robbie Laing, last-start Warrnambool winner Rose Of Texas for Alan Hunter and the Mick Cerchi-trained Sadaqa.
Thompson rides last-start Bairnsdale placegetter Bounce Trap Goal at Kilmore, 60km north of Melbourne.
He described 2015 as a massive year.
After representing Victoria in a heat of the Apprentice World Championship in Kentucky in May, Thompson claimed the final of the series in Abu Dhabi in November.
“It was a huge year and hopefully 2016 can be just as good, if not better, and I look forward to what’s to come,” he said.
