Bates, who moved to Australia six years ago, rode 75 winners in the last racing season which ended on July 31 and has three rides at Moonee Valley on Saturday.

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The Irish-born hoop rates the last-start black type winner Pintoff in a $160,000 listed race as his best chance on the nine-event program at the Valley.

"I've been happy with my form over the last month," Bates told The Standard.

"I won on Pintoff last time at Caulfield. He did a great job under the circumstances to win."

Bates said Pintoff would have challenges to overcome.

"He's drawn a very wide gate at the Valley which is a concern," he said.

"It's not an ideal barrier at the 1200-metre mark. We'll just see how well he begins.

"I'm hoping to have a clear run over to get closer to the rail. It'll all depend about the speed in the race as to what I'm allowed to do.

"I would say this looks a tougher task but Pintoff's trainer Richard Cully has done a great job with the horse.

"Pintoff is deep into his preparation, I'm just hoping he'll hold his form for another listed win."

Bates is looking forward to the upcoming Melbourne Spring Carnival with confidence.

"It's the time of the year when everyone is talking about racing," he said.

"I'm hopeful of having some nice rides over the spring. I should have a clearer idea over the next few weeks regarding some black type race rides.

"It's tougher living down here to pick up any of the top rides as the jockeys based in Melbourne tend to get those rides sorted out but I can't complain, I've received wonderful support from owners and trainers."

Pintoff has won six of his 10 starts.