Michael Walker's book of four rides at Flemington shows he means business.

Walker will ride three of his four mounts at 54kg after a fortnight of hard graft in the gymnasium and the swimming pool.

Lingering effects of a hunting accident in 2008 kept Walker on medication that hindered weight loss but a change of treatment has the 30-year-old lighter than he has been in recent times.

Walker says riding on the minimum weight is the only way jockeys in his position can attract bookings.

"With all the trainers claiming with apprentices at this time of the year, you have to get down to 54(kg) to get rides," Walker said.

Walker said he adopted a long-term view to his training, thinking he would be better served getting down as light as possible in the winter before maintaining his weight during the spring.

The New Zealand-born jockey said that approach gave him the best chance of succeeding in the spring with the powerful David Hayes stable supporting him.

"I'm not tied down to riding only for David but I cannot thank him enough for giving me the opportunities he has," Walker said.

"If I'm riding 54(kg) right now, it's going to be a lot easier for me in the spring when I'm focused on maintaining my weight instead of losing it."

Walker will ride Marocan Diva for Hayes in the Murray Cox Handicap (1410m) at Flemington while the Leon Corstens stable has booked him to partner Felidea in the eighth heat of the All Victorian Sprint Series.

The hoop will team up with fellow Kiwi Tony Pike on Allez Eagle in the AR Creswick Series Heat and will ride Vizhaka in Saturday's Winter Championship Heat.