Young horseman Michael Grantham enters a new phase in his life today when he takes over the reins from his mother and trainer Kellie.

The stable will be represented at Ascot this afternoon by Looking Ahead and Quadroplex.

Kellie will be in Sydney today to celebrate Analese Trollope's 40th birthday and to watch Tommy Berry ride flashy speedster Karuta Queen at Warwick Farm.

She met Trollope when Triple Honour stayed at her Ascot stables in 2010. Berry was assigned to Kellie for a short stint in WA when NSW racing was closed during the 2007 equine influenza outbreak.

Grantham, 16, rode for just one and a half seasons, but created a big impression, riding 32 city winners and 67 on country tracks.

He finished second, on 52 winners, behind star apprentice Kyra Yuill (64) for the leading non-metropolitan apprentice in his first season in the saddle in 2010-11.

Illness caused from dieting forced Grantham to quit after landing his 16th city winner, Rocky Range, on January 14.

It is 22 years ago today that Michael's father, Mark, hung up his riding boots after an outstanding career which netted 240 winners, including 77 in the city.

Looking Ahead, who is owned by Mark and Carolyn Grant, is fancied to score a debut win.

She is the $2.50 favourite for the Westspeed Plate (1100m). Quadroplex is a $9 chance in the Westspeed Handicap (1400m).

Under racing rules, trainer Kate Irvine must saddle both gallopers but Michael will be in charge of the stable runners.

"Michael has been helping his mum and chilling out to get riding out of his system," Mark Grantham said. "Kellie is mates with Analese and she helped get Michael into Chris Waller's stable last year.

"Tommy rode Looking Ahead in her first trial at Lark Hill during a week's holiday here.