Apprentice becomes the master for Mick Miladinovic's Milamoo

It's why he had apprentice jockey Teaghan Martin onboard Milamoo in the Federal (1200 metres) at Canberra's Thoroughbred Park on Friday.

He finds apprentices follow instructions better. And that's exactly what Martin did in guiding the $19-longshot to victory.

Plus the weight deductions they get were also handy.

The seven-year-old mare was sitting towards the rear of the field for most of the race before flying up the middle to hold off Keith Dryden's Fangela by a head - with Merc a couple of lengths further back in third.

"I took a gamble and put a 4-kilogram-[claiming] apprentice because they seem to ride more to instructions than the seniors," Miladinovic said.

"Simple as that. The seniors don't want to look silly going too early. That's what I've found over the years.

"And she's an experienced horse and the apprentice only needs to get her going at the right time and find the right gaps and the horse will do the rest."

Miladinovic had his eyes on a quick turnaround for Milamoo.

With Canberra Racing hosting their first ever Good Friday meet next week, he was considering saddling her up in the next Federal (1300m) as she builds her distance towards 2000m.

If not, he might target the Federal (1400m) the following week instead.

"I think it'll either be next week or the week after in the Federal again," Miladinovic said.

"There's a 1300m [benchmark] 70 Federal or the week after that there's a 1400m Federal.

"Because she's up in that rating she has stick to the 70-plus rating - otherwise I'm only left with midweek Sydney or even Saturday Sydney fillies and mares [races] or something like that.

"I'll explore the options."

Milamoo's been a consistent performer for Miladinovic.

From her 35 starts she's managed five firsts, 10 seconds and four thirds.

The Canberra trainer felt she'd been unlucky not to convert at least five of those runner-ups into wins during her career.

It's why he was considering keeping her as a broodmare when her racing career's done.

"Really happy with her. For a horse that can get 2000m, a short trip first-up - it's a gutsy win," Miladinovic said.

"She's a late bloomer and as an older mare she just keeps improving out of sight and there's more to come.

"She's sound as a bell and I'm actually thinking I'd love to breed from her when she's finished racing.

"It could be the end of this season - I don't know yet."

It could've been an even better day, but Tan Line finished third in the class 1 plate (1600m), while Mini Maya - who he rates as a better horse than Milamoo - finished midfield in the maiden plate (1300m).

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