The John O’Shea stable called on Maskiell to ride the South American import because of the stallion’s handicap of 51kg in Saturday’s event, and the Tasmanian is grateful for the opportunity.

“Apprentices don’t get many chances to ride in big races like the Doncaster,” Maskiell said. “John rang me on Monday to ride the horse because he wants someone who is strong but light on him.

“Apparently, he’s a horse who hits a flat spot and needs someone to help him through that.”

Maskiell said he would have to work to make 51kg but would not require any drastic measures to get down to the weight by Saturday.

“I’m riding here (Sandown) at 52kg,” Maskiell said on Wednesday. “I’ll have no problem getting down. I’ll do a bit more over the next couple of days but I won’t have to forego meals or anything like that.

“It’s great I have a ride in such a huge race. I’d do anything for more chances like this.”

Aside from shedding a kilogram to ride at the right weight, Maskiell said he has plenty of form study to do before he jumps aboard Snapy Halo on Saturday.

“I’ve already had a look at the past 15 Doncasters to see how they are run,” he said. “There’s no pattern in them other than patient rides winning the race.

“One of Snapy Halo’s owners is sending me down a DVD of all of Snapy Halo’s runs in Argentina. I’ve already watched the replays of all of his Australian runs.”

Snapy Halo has drawn barrier 11 in Saturday’s $1.5 million event. TAB Sportsbet has the son of Southern Halo as a $26 chance.

Story courtesy of Brad Waters