Jacallen Dooley on track for debut

By Jordan Gerrans

In-form galloper Replace The Ace helped launch the career of Jacallen Dooley and the apprentice rider is optimistic the gelding can deliver her a first-up triumph. 

The Rockhampton-based hoop heads to Emerald Jockey Club for her maiden day at the races on Saturday afternoon. 

The natural lightweight will take two engagements for her master Tom Smith at the Central Queensland venue. 

The 22-year-old has gone above and beyond over the last couple of years to ride in many more trials that are required for an apprentice to obtain their licence. 

Dooley will partner with Replace The Ace in the Benchmark 55 Handicap over 1615 metres on Saturday as well as Luna Ready in the QTIS Maiden Plate.

“It feels a little bit surreal, to be honest,” she said of her maiden day at the track as an apprentice.

“I never thought I'd get here. For a long time, it was like I still haven't got enough trials.

“But, it's a bit surreal now and nerves are definitely hitting this week, I reckon.

“I am looking forward to it, I really am because I'll be on two of Thomas' horses.

“So, at least they'll be horses I know and I'll feel comfortable, hopefully.”

Replace The Ace won at his last start at Mackay earlier this month in Benchmark 55 grade over 1560 metres.

The five-year-old galloper has placed on three other occasions earlier this year at Rockhampton.

Dropping back to country grade with Dooley’s four-kilogram allowance, Replace The Ace is likely to be hard to hold out at Emerald on Saturday. 

The son of Rothesay has been on the journey with Dooley from the start. 

“Replace The Ace is a big, strong horse,” she said.

“It's a little bit special riding him, he was actually my first ever jump-out horse and he taught me a lot of trackwork, as well.

“I am actually really looking forward to that.

“We all know he is a very strong, competitive horse, as well. Hopefully we'll be up there.”

Dooley won a trial aboard Replace The Ace back in May of last year at Rockhampton. 

Luna Ready is yet to place in nine career efforts.

The three-year-old filly has done all her racing for the Smith camp and ran a credible fourth at Mackay earlier this month over 1100 metres.

“Luna Ready, she was actually one of the first two-year-olds that I sort of started with,” she said.

“Tom obviously gets a lot of young horses and gets them going.

“She keeps impressing us but just not quite getting there in her results.

“If she can get a good barrier this time around, hopefully it will be really good.”

Dooley has lived in Central Queensland for much of her life – being based in Rockhampton and Mackay – and competed across Australia in showjumping before eventually starting trackwork for a number of trainers at Callaghan Park. 

That progressed into an apprenticeship with young Rockhampton conditioner Smith after also riding trackwork for his father Fred. 

“I just hope I am best prepared as I can be because trials are obviously very different to race day,” she said.

“I've actually done double the trials, just a little bit over double, of what we were required to do to get my licence.

“I did more because I needed to fine tune a fair few things and I wanted to make sure I was fully ready before I got out there too.”

Dooley competed in showjumping with several former racehorses.

She is unlikely to have any issues with her weight anytime soon as she walks around at 50kgs.