HE IS one of the most exciting riding prospects in the country and apprentice jockey Tyler Schiller will be out to add another feather to his cap at Wagga on Friday.
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After getting a taste for big races in the Albury Gold Cup in March, Schiller is set for his second ride at listed level when he is legged aboard Azaryah in the $160,000 feature at Wagga.
The 21-year-old is only 11 wins away from outriding his country claim and has only been riding for 12 months.
While there has been plenty of attention from city stables seeking Schiller out, his immediate focus is looking forward to the opportunity presented to him in the Gold Cup.
"When you get an opportunity in those sort of races, you just go for the ride and hopefully do your best," Schiller said.
"Especially up against those sort of riders and trainers, you're under the spotlight a bit, so you've got to perform."
Originally from Young, Schiller is based with Phil Sweeney at Jerilderie. With 69 winners in just over 12 months, Schiller is happy with how he's kicked off his career as a jockey.
"I hope Phil's happy with it. I'm trying my best and everything's happened really quickly," he said.
"I've nearly outridden my country claim, hopefully sooner or later I'm ready to move onto the next step."
The next step for the moment is riding Azaryah in the Gold Cup. He has never ridden the mare before so it was a pleasant surprise to be given the call up for the Cup.
"That's why I was interested that I got on her, because I hadn't ridden her before but I think she probably suits my riding style anyway, up front, bowling along," he said.
"The other day she got held up a little bit too much I think. She usually tries to break the other horses hearts and the other day she tried to sit and sprint and didn't suit as much.
"Trev's given me a lot of opportunities and I'm just trying my best on them."
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