Dedication rewarded for star Gold Coast jockey Tim Bell

IT'S a reflection of Tim Bell's professionalism that sees him as the youngest jockey riding in the $2 million Magic Millions Classic today.

Tim Bell is having his first ride in the Magic Millions Classic and is aboard one of the more fancied runners in Celestial Dr...

TIM Bell has the dedication.

It's New Year's Eve and Bell is sitting alone in his car watching the Broadbeach fireworks.

He's just finished a two-hour drive after riding a winner at Toowoomba and has a cracking book of rides at Eagle Farm the next day.

His phone is going off with messages to go out, but Bell sits with a box of chocolates to see in the new year before he goes to bed.

It's the professionalism that will today make him the youngest jockey riding in the $2 million Magic Millions Classic (1200m) and will join superstar hoop Tommy Berry as the only jockey with a full book of rides on the $4.7 million day.

"When push comes to shove, we're athletes,'' he said.

"In five or 10 years time I want to be able to sit back and jeez, I'm glad I didn't fall off the radar.''

Ultra consistent Tim Bell notches up another winner at Doomben. Picture: Jono Searle

There's no danger of that happening to Bell. He will ride unbeaten colt Celestial Dragon in the Classic. Bell admits the colt has come a long way.

"I really like this horse, he continues to improve. After his first start I thought 'No' (he couldn't win the millions), after his second start I thought yes.''

"After speaking to the trainer Stuart Kendrick and going through the sectional times of his last run I was sitting back and smiling. I wouldn't swap him.

"He's got a high cruising speed, whether he will lead the Magic Millions we will have to wait and see.''

Celestial Dragon has been well tried in betting.

If it happens to win, there's a fair chance Bell might break from routine and give himself a moment to enjoy.