William Pike looks set to start his day in style at Belmont Park on Thursday 30 December when he rides Mojo Rhythm.
Trained by Kieran McDonagh, Mojo Rhythm ran home strongly on debut at Pinjarra Park over 1200m finishing second.
The three-year-old gelding by Playing God rises quickly to the mile for his second start which looks ideal.
Having drawn barrier three, Pike should be able to settle much closer than he did on debut and if he can deliver the same turn of foot that he showed first-up, he looks the one to beat.
Pike only has the three rides and then we will not see him on Saturday for the Group 2 Perth Cup with its double-dose vaccination requirements for all patrons and industry participants this year.
He was originally booked to ride Midnight Blue for Grant and Alana Williams but has been replaced by Patrick Carbery, as a hot favourite still leading into Perth Cup.