Apprentice Carleen Hefel eyes significant milestone at The Valley on Saturday

Champion apprentice Carleen Hefel is just one win away from outriding her 1.5kg claim … and with six strong rides on Saturday, the milestone may not be far away.

Gilbert Gardiner

@gilbertgardiner

2 min read

December 27, 2023 - 5:00PM

Carleen Hefel, pictured celebrated after winning the Victorian Country Cups Final aboard Claidheamh Mor at Caulfield in November, is just one victory away from outriding her 1.5kg claim. Picture: Scott Barbour/Racing Photos

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Champion apprentice Carleen Hefel has an opportunity to skittle a significant career milestone with six rides at The Valley on Saturday.

Hefel moved to 79 city winners last Tuesday at Caulfield, one away from outriding her 1.5kg claim.

“One more to go,” Hefel said.

“Hopefully I can get that done (by the end of January), I’m sure I will.”

Hefel has a month to spare before her apprenticeship expires but the last city meeting of the calendar year, in familiar surrounds at The Valley, would be an ideal setting to tick the box.

Carleen Hefel steers Berry Bubbly to victory at Moonee Valley in November. Picture: George Salpigtidis/Racing Photos

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The Valley has hosted nine of Hefel’s past 15 city winners.

“Going back four years, even two years ago, I never thought I’d outride my claim,” Hefel said.

“It’s just another massive achievement.

“It’s just as good as winning the (apprentice) premiership, another goal to tick off your CV.”

Hefel’s mounts on Saturday are Berry Bubbly (race 2), Bombastic Boy (R4), Tycoon Bec (R5), Divine Purpose (R8), Jakivy (R9) and Vongole (R10).

Hefel led all the way to win aboard Berry Bubbly last start at The Valley.

Berry Bubbly proves too quick for them in Heat 6 of the 55 Second Challenge âš¡ï¸ @GriffithsdeKock pic.twitter.com/7KiRtQUerH
— Racing.com (@Racing) November 24, 2023

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Bombastic Boy, placed last start at Mornington, and Tycoon Bec, runner-up at Ballarat most recently with Hefel aboard, look decent chances early on the card.

Hefel was champion Melbourne apprentice last season with 38 city winners including her first stakes success, the Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes on Peter Moody-trained Sigh.

Moody and co-trainer Katherine Coleman saddle Divine Purpose in the 2040m Benchmark 70.

“I rode her first-up at Caulfield she went super, the next start she didn’t really handle the track on Ballarat Cup day,” Hefel said.

“She’s out to 2000m, feeling good, hopefully she can be my last one.”

Apprentice Carleen Hefel. Picture: George Sal/Racing Photos

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Hefel has ridden 18 city winners this season to be fourth in the Melbourne Jockeys’ Premiership, wedged between champion riders Jamie Kah (19) and Craig Williams (17).

“It’s all coming together a bit more, still a lot to learn but getting there,” Hefel said.

“I’m getting really good support now, especially in the bush where I’m not claiming, so hopefully it keeps rolling through (without the claim).”

Originally published as Apprentice Carleen Hefel eyes significant milestone at The Valley on Saturday