Racing: Unforgettable opportunity for novice apprentice

O'Cartier (centre) could launch the riding career of Adam Stewart on Saturday. Photo / Mark Mitchell

It's the call every green apprentice waits for - the call-up for the favourite in a feature race.

Adam Stewart, with one unplaced raceday ride behind him, has landed the ride on topweight O'Cartier in the Lest We Forget Sprint at Hastings.

The 18-year-old, who is apprenticed to Grant Searle at Awapuni, will take O'Cartier's weight down from the 61.5kg to 57.5kg.

It means the winner of 16 races and $408,322 will carry just 57.5kg, only 1.5kg above the minimum weight.

Stewart will never get a better opportunity to break through for his first win.

The teenager, originally from Shannon, is filling big boots - O'Cartier has been ridden in his past two starts by Hayden Tinsley for a win over Eileen Dubh at Trentham and a second to Guiseppina at Awapuni, which is as good as a win on any other day.

O'Cartier's North Canterbury co-trainer John Parsons says the boy can't get into too much harm.

"As long as he doesn't interfere with him too much the horse will do the job."

The No 2 gate looks to be a big advantage for the pair.