Murray Bridge apprentice Sophie Mitchell has been booked to partner Phil Cole’s Tubthumper, Ny Kee and Aussie Jawsie at Darwin on Saturday.
She is one of several interstate jockeys frequenting the NT due to a rider shortage in the territory.
“Phil rang my boss Kristi Evans and she rang me on Wednesday and asked if I wanted to go up, I said yes,” Mitchell said.
“I’ve only had 21 career starts for one winner, so it was a bit of a shock, but it will be a fantastic experience.
“I’ve been to Darwin a couple of times on holiday, I loved it.
“I’m surprised and excited to go to Darwin and have a crack.
“I rode at Quorn – that’s the only dirt track I’ve ridden on.
“I’ve been to Casterton in Victoria, that’s my only interstate trip.
“Darwin was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”
With jockey Wayne Davis injured and apprentice Emma Lines on a sabbatical, the Cole stable has relied on other NT jockeys.
Born and raised in Murray Bridge, Mitchell debuted at her home-town track in August.
She celebrated her first win on Monday at Penola aboard All Beans for Murray Bridge trainer Justin Pickering.
Admitting that she doesn’t know anyone in Darwin, the 21-year-old has already shared texts with Cole.
“I think I’ve got a few good live chances, so it looks like a promising day out,” Mitchell said.
Darwin Guineas winner Tubthumper takes on BM76 sprinters over 1200m but has starred over the trip at the top level.
The five-year-old mare was third over 1100m in BM77 company three weeks ago after a seven-month spell, but Doc O’Connor, Bon’s Pride, Mr Cashman, Siakam and Early Crow are quality opposition.
It’s a bonus for Tubthumper — an early $10 quote with online bookmakers — that Mitchell claims 4kg, bringing the weight down to 53kg.
That also enhances the hopes of Ny Kee over 1100m at 0-58 level and Aussie Jawsie in a 1300m maiden.
Four-year-old mare Ny Kee, who had a win and a second on debut in Darwin, was fifth in a 1000m Class 2 last Saturday.
Aussie Jawsie was second over 1100m in his NT debut three weeks ago, although the three-year-old filly was 8.3 lengths behind Hotim English.
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