When Sydney's premier jockey foregoes a potential full book of rides in his home state and heads to Flemington to pilot a lightly-raced three year old filly in a minor race, then its time to take notice.

Punters certainly did on Saturday when they sent off the Brenton Avdulla-ridden Smart Melody as a $2.25 favourite in the 1100 metre Cap D'Antibes Plate down the straight 1100 metre course at headquarters.

But Avdulla had no regrets about missing out on an opportunity to race against Winx or ride in several other group races on the Randwick card, as he believes Smart Melody is a youngster who can take him places this spring - in Melbourne or in Sydney.

The jockey said he had been prepared to forego more opportunities in Sydney to stay on board with trainer Kris Lees as he desperately wants to maintain his partnership with Smart Melody.

He was in the saddle when she won a two year old race at the back end of last season at Canterbury and he formed a strong opinion of her then. He was out of the country riding in Japan when she came back at Wyong, winning again, and he was delighted to be aboard at Flemington as she made it four wins from four starts.