Crack apprentice jockey Michael Walker says if he is fortunate enough to eclipse Lance O'Sullivan's record for wins in a season, it will surpass all other statistical milestones he has achieved in the saddle.
Walker is only six shy of O'Sullivan's record of 162 winners and he should close considerably on his target given the quality book of rides he has at Otaki today.
Riding his first winner, reaching 100 wins in his first full season and then going on to win the premiership last season, were all special moments for the Waitara whiz kid, but he makes no bones about what the impending milestone will mean.
"If I get past the record, well, it will be some achievement. It should stay there for years so that will mean a lot."
Walker was coy on his plans should the inevitable happen over the next week to 10 days. There is just under two-and-a-half months remaining in the season, so has he given any thought of a bid at 200?
"The record is the No 1 thing at the moment. After that I'll sit down with Al (boss Allan Sharrock) and we'll discuss things.
"I've been so busy of late it isn't something I've given a lot of thought."
Walker should add at least two wins to his tally tomorrow. Centolina, a two-year-old Centaine filly trained at Waverley by Kevin Gray, will be at cramped odds in the $4500 Trackside Consolation (1000m) and Sir Alexis should be too strong in the c3 $9000 Lion Brown Mile (1600m).
Centolina ran second to race rival Hurricane Lil at the Wanganui trials on April 10 and by all accounts has thrived since.
Cambridge four-year-old Sir Alexis ran home in tight quarters for sixth behind Kakaho at Hastings on May 10 and is expected to rack up his fourth win in nine starts for Murray Baker's stable.
- NZPA
Racing: Whiz kid only six from record
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