Young apprentice Jimmy Orman hoping for Group I breakthrough aboard Target in Sight in BTC Cup

TEENAGE apprentice jockey Jimmy Orman has already paid off his first house and now he is striving to win a Group 1 at his first attempt this weekend.

Ryan Wiggins abseils down Kangaroo Point.

TEENAGE apprentice jockey Jimmy Orman has already paid off his first house and now he is striving to win a Group 1 at his first attempt.

The 19-year-old former gymnast, who is one win behind Jim Byrne in the Brisbane premiership race, has vaulted on to the back of BTC Cup contender Target In Sight.

Orman thinks the bookies have got it wrong with their assessment of the Joe Pride galloper as a $17 chance in Saturday’s Group 1 race at Doomben.

James Orman is dreaming of his first Group One victory.

Even from the tricky barrier nine, Orman thinks Target In Sight has a real chance of giving him a cherished Group 1.

“It’s my dream to win a Group 1 and I think this horse will give me a good chance to do that,’’ Orman said.

“I am sure he is a much better chance than $17. If you have a look at his run two starts ago, he was second behind Malaguerra who is about a $6 chance in the BTC Cup.

“Target In Sight is drawn a bit tricky but he will be getting back in the run anyway. When he is on song he is a really good horse and I think coming into this race third-up is perfect for him.’’

While other jockeys were abseiling down the Kangaroo Point cliffs for a BTC Cup promotion on Thursday, Orman was daring to dream of breaking into the illustrious Group 1 club.

With plenty of regular winners and two Listed race wins to his name, the teenager has been able to bank enough money to pay off his first house on an acreage property at Gatton.

“It’s been great that as a teenager I’ve been able to pay off a house, and I’m already looking to buy another one as an investment property,’’ Orman said.

Orman will have another leading chance on Saturday with Tony Sears’ speedy filly Blue Desert Moon contesting the 1050m 3YO Handicap.

Orman is crossing his fingers Blue Desert Moon bounces back to form after he chose to ride the filly instead of Sold For Song in the Mick Dittman Plate last month.

Blue Desert Moon ran last that day, pulling up with lacerations, while Sold For Song went on to produce a slashing second behind Takedown in last Saturday’s Gold Coast Guineas.

Sold For Song’s trainer Kevin Kemp has now opted to stick with apprentice Luke Dittman for her Carnival campaign which will likely include a tilt at next week’s Group 3 Fred Best Classic.

“I did want to ride Blue Desert Moon but then I couldn’t get back on Sold For Song, which was a bit disappointing,’’ Orman said.

Originally published as Young apprentice Jimmy Orman hoping for Group I breakthrough aboard Target in Sight in BTC Cup