 Leading Melbourne apprentice Reece Wheeler is likely to look back on
the past season and rue a swag of suspensions if he is to fall short in his mission to win
the city's premiership for apprentice riders.Wheeler
has bridged ladder leader Mark Zahra's advantage to two with four meetings to go, after
Wheeler booted home a winner in the last race at Flemington yesterday.
Terronora's win at Flemington followed last Sunday's
success of La Banca at Caulfield. Wheeler will now be hoping to extend his winning city
run to three when he rides at Caulfield on Saturday.
Wheeler confessed to have forgotten how many suspensions he
had received during the season, and it may be enough to see him miss out on the junior
title.
"I'm not sure how many (suspensions) I've had this
season," Wheeler reflected. "But I'd have to say I've missed about three months
of riding through it." Wheeler felt he could have been outed as many as ten times in
the past twelve months.
While he was out serving his latest suspension Wheeler
employed the services of a fitness expert to work on his agility and strength in the
saddle.
 "The plan is to keep the fitness levels high and then to be able to give the
horses I ride every chance of success," the youngster said.
The apprentice, who is now being managed by former hoop
Phil Roost, is planning to make an impact on the local scene over the spring carnival
before a possible international mission.
"I have a good team of trainers behind me like Tony
Noonan, Alan Bailey and Barry Burke and I'm hoping to get a few lucky breaks over the
carnival," Wheeler added.
On Saturday Wheeler's early confirmed mounts include Queen
Carey, Good Thing, Ruthless Tycoon, Currency Rep and should it get a run Bella Megano.
His rival Mark Zahra, who hold a two win advantage in the
premiership race, is confirmed for King Wells, Flurry's Gem, El Nino, Power and Rhythm and
Guest Express.
PICS - Quentin
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