Five city wins in six weeks.

That’s the target Harry Coffey has set himself to outride his claim before his apprenticeship finishes.

And with a good book of Flemington rides on Saturday, including Chester Manifold Stakes contender Zupacharged and classy stayer Signoff, Coffey has an undeniable chance to edge closer to achieving the feat.

“Obviously it’s a goal of every apprentice to outride their claim,” Coffey said.

“And when you get close to it reality sets in that you may be able to achieve your goal, what all apprentices try to achieve.”

Coffey is booked for six rides at Flemington with four for premier Victorian trainer Darren Weir.

The Weir-trained Signoff and Star Stealer are both favourites for their races.

Coffey will also be chasing his third Listed win in the past month when he rides the Kylie Vella-trained Zupacharged, second favourite for the Chester Manifold Stakes.

The apprentice notched his first stakes race successes on December 26 at Caulfield with a Listed race double aboard the Weir-trained Tuscan Sling and Signoff.

He has been aboard Zupacharged in his three starts this campaign including a closing second in the Group Three Standish Handicap.

Coffey believes Zupacharged has been crying out for 1400m.

“He looks a really good chance,” Coffey said.

“You can’t use your claim in Listed races so to get those sorts of rides is really handy, especially when you’re coming towards the end of your time as an apprentice.

“You need to start to get those good sort of rides so I’m looking forward to the opportunity on him and hopefully we can get the job done.”

Coffey said Signoff’s first-up Lord Stakes win after n injury lay-off was a bonus.

Connections will utilise Coffey’s 1.5kg claim in the Piping Lane Handicap (2000m) where Signoff has 61.5kg.

“At this stage of his preparation he’ll still be benefiting a lot from the runs after having such a long time off, and he’ll be better later on with a few runs under his belt.”

But he noted Signoff has quality on his side.

“He’s the class runner of the meeting, probably,” he said.

Article from JustHorseRacing.com.au