Ryan Maloney knows his Oakleigh Plate opportunity on Shamal Wind could be career-changing.

That is why the 28-year-old hired a personal trainer almost three weeks ago to help him reach his lightest weight since he was an apprentice.

Maloney will partner Shamal Wind at 52.5kg and he is confident a first victory at racing's highest level is within reach.

"I've got my weight under control and I'm really looking forward to it," Maloney said.

"I have basically just cut down on my eating and hired Brett Peatling, a personal trainer.

"He got (jockey) Glen Boss down to 47 kilos for the Cox Plate (in 2008)."

Maloney called Peatling after he won the WJ Adams Stakes on Shamal Wind on February 1 when the mare unleashed a devastating sprint from back in the field.

"I wasn't guaranteed the ride but I didn't want to leave it up to fate with a week to go to get down to the weight and be absolutely spent," Maloney said.

"I've done it the right way."

Intense daily boxing sessions and running have been integral to his preparation.

Shamal Wind is on the third line of Oakleigh Plate betting at $8.50 behind Lankan Rupee ($3) and Knoydart ($6).

"I'm very confident," Maloney said.

"If she can reproduce her first-up run, with 52-and-a-half on her back she's going to be in it for a long way."

While Shamal Wind is considered Maloney's best Group One chance in betting markets, the jockey has Saturday's Futurity Stakes mount Sertorius to thank for boosting his opportunities.

He has ridden Sertorius at his past 14 starts, including to his biggest win in last year's Group Two Zipping Classic.

"Sertorius certainly lifted my profile and created opportunities," he said.

Co-trainer Jamie Edwards decided against starting Sertorius in the CF Orr Stakes on February 8 due to the extreme temperatures as the heat had affected the horse in the past.

Maloney is looking forward to seeing what Sertorius can produce over 1400-metres in the Group One Futurity on his way to autumn targets over more suitable trips.

"He has a good first-up record but obviously he's stepping up in class again," Maloney said.