Brooker beats flu to ride Tumbler

Champion Brisbane apprentice Tiffani Brooker has bounced back from a bout of influenza with a strong book of rides including star mare Tumbler at Doomben.

Brooker was ill at the Sunshine Coast meeting on Sunday but was fine to ride at the Gold Coast on Wednesday.

She will ride Tumbler, who has won seven of her nine starts, for the first time in the Queensland Racing Integrity Commission Open Handicap (1200m) on Saturday.

Tumbler will head to Sydney for the Toy Show Quality later this month if she can overcome a wide barrier and win on Saturday.

Caloundra-based Brooker went to Brisbane during the week to ride Tumbler in trackwork .

Trainer Barry Lockwood was happy to get Brooker who can still claim 1.5 kg, which reduces Tumbler’s weight to 52.5kg..

“She rides like a senior rider but still has a claim,” Lockwood said.

Brooker had a stellar season winning the Brisbane junior title with 50 winners, a record for a female apprentice in the metropolitan area.

She has six rides for six different trainers on Saturday which confirms the respect she has built up.

“I am thankful for all the support from owners and trainers I got last season. I just hope I can keep it going this year,” she said.