Brenton Avdulla and Mr Sneaky (left) finish second in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (Image: Racing Photos)
Timing is everything in the life of a jockey, and the earlier scheduling of the Group 2 Carlton Draught Australia Stakes (1200m) on Friday night has seen Brenton Avdulla forgo the ride on Mr Sneaky.
The $200,000 feature will be race four on the Australia Day card, to be run at 8pm - as opposed to 9:30pm last year when Malaguerra equalled the Moonee Valley track record - and that fact has meant Avdulla won't be making the trip south.
The Sydney-based hoop was only set to have one ride at his native Melbourne on Friday, after honouring his commitments at Warwick Farm - where his latest ride is at 4pm for Hawkes Racing, the in-form Cordero.
As a result, Damian Lane will now take the ride on Mr Sneaky for the first time.
The reason being for the early running of the Australia Stakes is that only six horses were accepted for the feature race of the Moonee Valley meeting and as a result will not be run as a quaddie leg.
The Anthony Freedman-trained galloper was locked in to be partnered by Avdulla - who partnered him to finish second in last spring's Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes - until the schedule was revealed on Wednesday.
WATCH: Mr Sneaky finish second in the Rupert Clarke