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Jockey Michael Hellyer has a near-full book of mounts at the Sunshine Coast as he prepares for his first Group One ride.
Jockey Michael Hellyer has been able to parlay his first ride in a Group One race into a busy schedule at the Sunshine Coast.
Hellyer will partner Baccarat Baby in Saturday week's Group One Flight Stakes at Randwick.
But first he will have eight rides at the Sunshine Coast on Saturday which followed five rides at Doomben on Wednesday and a tilt at the Lismore Cup on Future Event on Thursday.
Hellyer is a perfect example of hard work paying off as he has always had plenty of ability but lacked chances on top horses.
He is rapidly approaching his 600th winner with about 80 of them coming in the past 12 months.
"I was riding in town on Saturdays and getting two or three rides," Hellyer said.
"I decided to concentrate on the Gold Coast on Saturday's and I was able to build up my contacts with the bigger stables.
"I have been on a bit of a roll in the past year so the thing is to keep it up."
Hellyer is looking forward to his ride on Baccarat Baby who has won five in a row in Queensland
"It is a big step up but she has done everything asked of her here and she won't be out of place," he said.
Hellyer won on Alpine Dancer for trainer Robert Heathcote at Doomben on Wednesday.
"Michael is the most improved jockey in Brisbane. He has always been a decent man and I am glad to see him get more chances," Heathcote said.