At 26 and with two Group 1 wins to his name, Zac Spain is confident he can continue climbing up the racing ranks in 2023.
And riding for respected veteran trainer Phillip Stokes, who opened his Victorian stables at Pakenham in 2019, the Darwin product believes he's got the right people backing him.
“I'm getting good support from Phillip Stokes. Looking forward to riding some more of his horses,” Spain told HorseBetting.com.au.
“He's very loyal, which is good. And if you put in the work for him, he rewards you.
“I've just got to keep doing my part, and ride a lot of trackwork and jumpouts for him.”
Despite his vast experience as a Group 1-winning conditioner, Stokes keeps things relaxed and uncomplicated for his jockeys.
“He's easy to ride for. He never really gives you instructions – he just leaves it up to me,” Spain said.
Spain said he was looking forward to riding Streets Of Avalon again soon for Shane Nichols, with the veteran galloper back in work after a last-start fifth in the Group 3 Kevin Heffernan Stakes on November 26.
The eight-year-old has enjoyed an excellent career, with 10 victories from 71 starts.
Two of those have come at Group 1 level, including when Spain saluted aboard him in the 2021 CF Orr Stakes.
That was the talented hoop's first win in the top echelon of racing.
“He (Streets Of Avalon) is back in. I think he's going to run in a Listed race on a Group 1 day, I think Flemington,” Spain said.
“Hopefully he comes back in good order.”
Spain enjoyed a strong 2 ½-length victory aboard Samedi in a 0-58 Handicap over 1606m at Werribee on Sunday.
It was the four-year-old's second win in 12 starts, the gelding saluting for Charlotte Littlefield after a gear change worked a treat.
“He was good. They put the visors on him again, and I found he was a little more switched on,” Spain said.
“He hit the front at the top of the straight which probably didn't help us because he just had a good look around.
“Now that I've ridden him once he probably needs to get to them late.
“At the 600 I just thought I was going to go backwards. He hit a massive flat spot, and it wasn't until he straightened up he really changed legs and started to hit the line.”