Hamilton apprentice Ryan Elliot is itching to get back into the saddle after an enforced layoff.

Elliot, 18, was suspended for excessive whip use but returns to riding next Friday and has made sure he is making up for lost time.

He will ride Riccarton next Friday before taking rides at Te Rapa next Saturday, among them the Listed winner Ichiban - an impressive trials winner (Heat 3) at Cambridge on Tuesday.

Elliot is in fourth place on the national apprentices' premiership behind Sam Weatherley, Shaun McKay and Gosen Jogoo.