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Newly-licenced apprentice jockey Jerlyn Seow Poh Hui may still be diffident about her riding skills but she cannot wait to put them to the test at her race-riding debut on Sunday.
After an arduous journey where she could have given up when she dropped out halfway through her track riding course, Seow has pressed on.
The plucky 27-year-old Singaporean lass is about to don those flashy jockeys' silks for the first time this Sunday.
"I am very thankful to the Club. To be given the opportunity to ride in races is a dream come true," said Seow who goes by the riding name of 'PH Seow'.
"I am not confident about my riding skills yet even after riding many horses at trackwork and trials, because this is racing, the 'real thing' after all.
"But there are great people around me who gives me good advice. For example, Saimee (Jumaat, former trainer and eight-time champion jockey now a senior track rider for Walker) said before I should be careful when trying to overtake horses, because even if you're clear, horses behind you can be starting to pick up speed as well, so I must ensure my horse is fast enough as we want to avoid interference.
"He also said I must be patient and relaxed at the turn coming into the straight.
"Hakim (Kamaruddin) told me that until now, he is still nervous whenever he waits in the jockey's room while waiting for his first ride at a meeting, but it' s fine after that."
It' s Walker who has supplied his new apprentice jockey with her inaugural rides, Black Quail and Altair, at the new season's first meeting this Sunday.
She will take her first ride aboard Black Quail, the Coat's Choice seven-year-old who is running in the $30,000 Michael John Clements Stakes Class 5 race over 1000m, while Altair, a five-year-old son of Zoustar, faces the starter in the highlight of the day, the $100,000 Happy New Year Kranji Stakes A race over 1200m.
Seow has ridden both horses in trackwork and trials, but also watched their gallops and past races to get a better understanding of the duo. While she said a win on debut would be a fairytale start, she is more focused on "getting them to a good start".
"Boss has given me two rides for a start, and I am very grateful for the good opportunities," said Seow.
"They are both very quiet and have great temperament, and they also know what they're doing in races, so that's nice.
"I ride them in trackwork and trials, and I also saw 'Winning Workouts' where Benny (Woodworth) galloped Altair yesterday. He looked fit.
"He last ran second (to You Rokk, who runs in Sunday's race too) in a Class 2 race (on December 5), and even though I am not as confident since he is in a stronger race this time, I still hope he can win!
"Black Quail is first-up and down in class. He is carrying the top weight (of 59kgs), but I hope my four-kilo claim can be an advantage for him.
"They can both jump out fast and strong, so I hope they run well for me."
Seow admitted to feeling somewhat nervous as the new kid on the block but takes it all in her strides as she prepares to pit her skills against the big boys.
"I have been cutting down on carbs in my diet recently and I also watch the 'Winning Workouts' programme and study the race cards to prepare myself better," said the young lady who once worked at a dog's café.
"I may look like the 'happy-go-lucky' girl on the outside, but inside, I am sometimes 'fighting' with myself, especially making the decision of going down this path to get my licence.
"I know it's tough to get one, so I will seize opportunities that come my way and make the best out of them.
"I may not be good enough yet, but I know racing can bring out the competitive side in me. I want to win.
"My husband Clifford and my parents will watch the races from home and they are all excited and proud of me.
"I hope it doesn't rain, because if it does, they might not be able to see me clearly on screen, and it's painful when the kickback and rainwater hit your face!"