Tom Queally won't get carried away even if Aviate takes off

"A few years ago I went there with Barney," said Queally. "You see what it is like out there and you wonder why people over here complain about the traffic, the weather or a horse getting beaten in a race.

"When you see people dying of Aids, or children walking 10 miles to school, or people with very little food, it really makes you think."

Aviate, unbeaten in three starts, won York's 10-furlong Musidora Stakes under Eddie Ahern last month, despite encountering trouble in running.

But tomorrow at Epsom Queally, who rode five Group One winners last year, will jump back on Prince Khalid Abdulla's homebred daughter of Dansili and Ahern will partner Lingfield Oaks Trial runner-up Timepiece, who is in the same ownership at Warren Place.

"I'm not worried if I've got it wrong. I'm not going to moan and kick the dog if Timepiece does win the race, because it will be great for the stable, great for Henry and the Prince, and I'm a team player," insisted Queally.

He added: "Aviate did really well to win at York because she was in a pocket but she showed a nice turn of foot and her class got her out of it.

"I had my mind made up to ride her for longer than I actually let on, although I worked the two of them last week and I couldn't really split them.

"If they were two maidens, I would pick Timepiece because she works better in the morning, however you have to rise to the big occasion and Aviate does just that.

"Besides that, Timepiece hasn't won this year — not through any fault of her own, possibly — but Aviate has all the boxes ticked and winners of the Musidora have fared well in the Oaks.

"Still, Eddie has got a nice ride and I certainly wouldn't be surprised if Timepiece loomed up on my outside and it was down to the two of us."

Champion apprentice in Ireland at 15, Queally was still raw when coming over to Britain to join David Loder in 2004. But his innate style soon shone through and 10-times champion trainer Cecil was quick to spot it.

Queally added: "Last year was the big breakthrough. The quality rides came. Henry was the main person to give me a chance and, as in any walk of life, you need a chance. I'm so thankful for it.

"Aside from being a great trainer he's a very nice man, very easy going and straightforward to work for.

"He knows his horses inside out, that's the most important thing. He sees things that other trainers don't see. That gives me a major advantage."

On Saturday, Queally has his first ride in the Investec Derby. He partners Lingfield Derby Trial winner Bullet Train and victory would give Cecil a fifth Derby triumph.

Queally said: "Bullet Train is a big, well-balanced horse. Every day he works, he takes a step in the right direction. He deserves to take his chance in what looks to me quite an open-looking contest this year.

"They've made Aidan O'Brien's horse [Jan Vermeer] favourite but two weeks ago he wasn't even taking part.

"Ballydoyle have left it very late to play their hand and one would have to question the strength of it. Bullet Train handled Lingfield well, the ground will be okay for him and we're hopeful.

"I wouldn't say there's major confidence behind the horse but he definitely deserves to be there. He's got a good each-way chance. I've no plans to ride either race any differently, because if you do treat it differently, you only make mistakes. And the simplicity of it is this: it's a load of lads riding horses round a field and having a great time doing it."

Say this for Tom Queally, he offers a refreshing perspective in a sport that often takes itself too seriously.