Trainer Lindsay Hatch believes his promising Queensland apprentice Baylee Nothdurft is on track to return to the saddle earlier than expected from a betting suspension.
But in the meantime Hatch hopes to have some luck with another talented junior rider, apprentice Matt McGillivray who rides three-year-old filly Winning Kiss at Doomben on Saturday.
Toowoomba-based Hatch has a high opinion of the Love Conquers All filly and also a high opinion of McGillivray.
McGillivray rode Winning Kiss when a narrow second to Real Mystique over 1600m in Rockhampton last month and Hatch believes his filly can turn the tables in Saturday's 1600m 3YO Handicap at Doomben.
"Winning Kiss is a classy filly but I think she is a type who needs her runs spaced out a bit," Hatch said.
"Matt (McGillivray) was of the opinion that she should have beaten Real Mystique in Rockhampton, except she changed stride and lost momentum a furlong out.
"That is behind us now and I am convinced she can win on Saturday.
"Matt is riding as well as any senior rider in Queensland at the moment and I am happy to have him on."
Rhyming is the $3.70 favourite for the 3YO Handicap with Real Mystique at $6 and Winning Kiss at $7.50.
Hatch feels his teenage apprentice Nothdurft is on course to return early from a three-month suspension for betting.
The 18-year-old who set the riding ranks alight in Toowoomba had 69 bets on thoroughbreds between April and June but none were involving races he rode in.
Stewards in June suspended Nothdurft for three months but indicated the penalty could be reduced to two months if he completed a gambling counselling course.
"Baylee is currently doing that course so hopefully stewards do take that into consideration," Hatch said.
"He has been turning up to my stables at 3.30am every morning and cleaning 12 boxes and working really hard.
"He has impressed me with his attitude and his hard work and dedication."
