That's proved the secret formula for South African-born apprentice-jockey Damon Budler. Oh, and add about 20 years.

Budler started out on his path to being a jockey back in his native country when he was 13.

But he was told he was too big and the dream was cut short. Well, put on hold to be precise.

He's been riding track work at Canberra's Thoroughbred Park and finally took the plunge to start his apprenticeship this year.

It's proving a raging success and he's leading Canberra's apprentice jockey premiership with five wins so far this season.

That included guiding Matthew Dale's Man Of Peace to victory in the Christmas Cup at Moruya on Sunday, as well as his first Federal Handicap in November.

He's also living on the course - meaning it never takes him long to get to work.

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"I'm in my thirties now, so I started a little bit late. I've been riding all my life but," Budler said.

"I just seemed to get a bit lighter when I got into my thirties so I decided to have a go.

"I come from South Africa originally and then came to Canberra about six years ago and rode trackwork from the start.

"Eventually decided enough's enough, just going around in circles and my weight's there and thereabouts so decided to have a go."

Budler has four rides booked at Thoroughbred Park on Friday, including Len Hodgson's Monte Majura in the Federal (1400 metres) - although the four-year-old gelding might not run.

He's also on a pair of Norm Gardner runners - Carruthers in the benchmark 60 handicap (1000m) and Le Cavalier in the benchmark 65 (2000m).

Budler will also ride Mike Cattell's Just Dylan in a benchmark 60 (1600m).

"If [Monte Majura] does go around it will be a solid chance from barrier one," Budler said.

"It's jumped out well and from everything I know everything's OK so it'll be a hope.

"Le Cavalier always puts in. I don't think he's had a start where he's been unplaced at Canberra yet so he'll be a chance.

"Probably the worst thing that can happen to him is getting barrier one, which he's usually done."

Meanwhile, Queanbeyan trainer Joe Cleary has enjoyed a good day out at his home track on Boxing Day.

His horses finished one-two in the class 2 handicap (1460m) - Katie Did It saluting with Parisians six lengths back in second.

Tag And Release took out the benchmark 50 handicap (1600m).

Former leading jockey John Scorse provides all the tips you need for Canberra's race meet on Friday.

Best bet: Race 2, No.4 Major Time

Has come back very well and both placings in strong form races, he looks the goods here.

Best roughie: Race 8, No.7 Balonne

In top form and suited by extra 100m. Very hard to beat.

Race one

Tips: 2 Spicy Restaurant, 1 Charming Pat, 5 Showtime Lady, 4 She's So Ready.

Spicy Restaurant trialled well, but extremely green on debut in a listed race, can take good improvement here. Charming Pat placed on debut, has the experience. Showtime Lady has very good trial form, could be the one on debut from inside gate, watch market.

Race two

Tips: 4 Major Time, 2 Carruthers, 1 American Salute, 8 Jewel Of The Clan

Both of Major Time's runs first class this preparation and finds the winnable race this time, looks the one. Carruthers is a smart type resuming but does go well fresh. A winner this track and trip previously, looks the main danger. American Salute is resuming but never out of the money first up in the past. Jewel Of The Clan is speedy and third up here.

Race three

Tips: 3 Sepulchre Super, 4 Super Hombre, 1 Le Cavalier, 2 Satirical Knight

Sepulchre Super was an impressive winner this track and distance last time. Fit and in good form, looks the winner again. Super Hombre led all the way and fought on strongly last time. Extra distance no fear for him. Le Cavalier is racing consistently but has to find a bit to turn the tables on the top pick. Satirical Knight is out in trip for the first time this preparation with blinkers added, don't take lightly.

Race four

Tips: 5 Defy, 2 Leardo, 4 Eden Vale, 7 Supreme Lad

Defy has hit her straps this preparation, last Highway effort very good. Leardo showed good staying promise last preparation. Was well beaten first up but unbeaten second up, and extra distance suits. Eden Vale made good ground late from back last time, always a chance.

Race five

Tips: 4 Dip Me Lid, 8 Chenin Blanc, 2 Emthree, 14 Georgina Gold

Dip Me Lid is resuming here at the 1400m but placed last three runs prior to spell, drawn to get all the favours. Chenin Blanc is on debut from a leading stable with blinkers added, recent trial form good. Emthree is nicely bred and better for two runs, extra distance can see him improve. Georgina Gold is speedy and well drawn, will be prominent.

Race six

Tips: 12 Do Not Disturb, 6 Holy Sunday, 7 Riverside's Cash, 1 Uprise

Both Do Not Disturb's trials have been good and draws the inside on debut. Watch market but looks to have good potential. Holy Sunday won city trials before strong debut effort in provincial grade, extra distance ideal. Riverside's Cash's trials were good, showed good speed before tiring in very strong city race, don't take lightly. Uprise placed in two of five and is well drawn.

Race seven

Tips: 6 Zarafah, 3 The Blues Mobile, 2 Street Cred, 4 Hitch Hiker Jamie

Zarafah was beaten favourite first try this trip, but closed very strongly late, gets another big chance here. The Blues Mobile is racing consistently but without luck, can get the right run and looking for this distance. Street Cred broke through last time this track and distance, drawn to get the favours again. Forgive Hitch Hiker Jamie's last start, go on previous form.

Race eight

Tips: 7 Balonne, 2 Nicconita, 9 Monte Majura, 5 High Dude

Balonne is fit and right at the top of his game, steamed home last time behind a smart one, a lot in his favour today. Nicconita found a fast run race and showed good acceleration, query back in distance. Overlook Monte Majura's Gundagai failure, loves his home track and this distance. Don't take High Dude lightly.

Race nine

Tips: 5 Designer Dance, 2 Maibeasy, 3 Manrique, 9 Ameares

Designer Dance is a smart mare ready to peak third up, she will be finishing strongly. Maibeasy had a big performance from back last time, beautifully placed draw is the concern. Manrique showed good potential last prep, recent trial good. Ameares in good form and has claims here.