McDougall, Southern District's premier jockey, has again secured a strong book for the two days of the carnival, including rides in both feature races.

But it will just be the start of things for McDougall, who has secured a ride in just his second group one at Morphettville on Saturday.

The Tom Dabernig and Ben Hayes stable, who he will ride Huntly Castle for in the Wagga Gold Cup on Friday, have entrusted him with the steer on Azaly in the $500,000 group one South Australian Derby (2500m).

"I'm looking forward to it," McDougall said.

"I get excited about going to Tumut for a non-TAB on a Saturday. I always still get excited. It's just a routine thing, you know. The same thoughts, same nerves, it's just race morning.

"For me, I don't know why, but it doesn't matter where it is or who it's for, I always get a bit of a buzz out of it."

Azaly is rated a $71 chance with TAB but McDougall believes he is a much better chance than that.

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"I think it's a chance. I think it's a rough chance. I don't think he's 50-1, put it that way. I think he's a $10-15 shot that's for sure," he said.

"He's a horse that is going to appreciate the extra distance. He's a horse that jumps really well and can put himself there."

McDougall also has a ride on Entitled Princess in the listed Adelaide Guineas (1600m) and one in the last for Will Clarken.

Before Adelaide, he has the Angland Medal to defend. McDougall has won the first two runnings of the prestigious award, that is awarded on jockey challenge points over the two days of the carnival.

McDougall is looking forward to taking on the city jockeys again this year.

"I'm actually looking forward to them coming down. It makes it a bit more exciting and a bit more interesting definitely," he said.

"It's a great initiative."

McDougall has donated the $1000 prize to Angland on both occasions.

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