Caitlin Jones aboard Regalo Di Gaetano (Image: Racing SA)
Caitlin Jones admits she's let her mind wander to the possibility of a dream ride in next month's $5 million All-Star Mile.
The Adelaide-based rider has formed a strong association with the Richard and Chantelle Jolly-trained Regalo Di Gaetano, who currently occupies seventh position on the public voting leaderboard for the lucrative race at The Valley on March 13.
Jones, who won last year's Listed John Letts Cup on Regalo Di Gaetano, said connections had indicated that they would stick with her if the horse made the field for The All-Star Mile.
"I've been fortunate to create a really good bond with the horse and I've spoken to the owners a few times and they're keen to stick with me if he does get in," Jones said.
"To see him at 14th and knowing there are a couple above him that might not be heading in that direction, it's getting very exciting.
"Hopefully a few of the Italian families over in Melbourne can rally behind him when they see the colours that he's got on his back."
Jones is no stranger to riding in Victoria, having tasted regular success in the western districts when apprenticed to Michael O'Leary at Mount Gambier.
But the 30-year-old, who completed her injury-interrupted apprenticeship in December, said she'd long held a desire to ride at The Valley.
Jones is in the midst of a career-best season with 35 winners to date, headlined by victory in the John Letts Cup on Regalo Di Gaetano and the Listed Christmas Handicap on Savatoxl for Tony and Calvin McEvoy.
"I was fortunate being based down in the southeast that I could cross the border to ride at tracks like Hamilton, Horsham, Casterton and other tracks in the area," she said.
"Now being based in Adelaide, it's doesn't happen and I haven't had a horse to take me anywhere.
"One of my goals since the start of my career has been to ride at Moonee Valley and coincidentally The All-Star Mile is at The Valley this year.
"It is a dream, but I think you've got to dream in racing."
After running fourth to Behemoth in the Listed Durbridge Stakes (1100m) first-up, Regalo Di Gaetano is likely to tackle a Benchmark 86 handicap at Morphettville on Saturday.