Pengelly makes the most of opportunities

Months of hard work are beginning to pay off for Brad Pengelly with a metropolitan treble from just three rides at his past two meetings.

Pengelly, who has battled weight throughout his career, made a return to the saddle in 2015 after a two-year break and has ridden a respectable 17 winners this season.

He has teamed successfully with Eagle Farm trainers Barry Lockwood, Brian Smith and Brad Herne in recent times.

He won on Smith-trained Old Smokey at Doomben on Wednesday and steered the Lockwood-trained Adorabubble to victory on Saturday.

Pengelly brought up a double on Saturday aboard the Tony Sears-trained Pillar of Creation.

"The weight is a work in progress," Pengelly said.

"I just keep chipping away. But Barry, Brian and Brad have stuck by me and I am also getting some good rides from other trainers.

"It certainly makes things easier to handle when you are getting the better rides."

Fellow jockey Jim Byrne rode a treble on Saturday to strengthen his claims of back-to-back Brisbane premierships.

Byrne, who rode with seven stitches in his face after being hit by a race plate on Wednesday, is now a clear second in the premiership on 40 winners, seven behind apprentice James Orman.

He was as much as $15 to retain his title last month but is as short as $5 with some bookmakers after Saturday.