In form mare Obsidian Dragon will get a new rider for her run in the Listed Kensington Stakes at Flemington this Saturday after regular jockey Steven Arnold couldn’t make the weight.

Arnold has told connections he will be unable to ride Obsidian Dragon in Saturday’s race after she was allocated just 56 kilograms.

Connections of the emerging star have engaged jockey Daniel Moor for the ride, who is thrilled with the opportunity.

“I’ve been wanting to ride the horse for a long time,” Moor said.

“I’m good friends with some of the connections of her and I’m very happy to be given the opportunity in that race.”

Obsidian Dragon has won her past three race starts, with her most recent win being in the $100,000 Fisher & Paykel Premium Handicap at Moonee Valley last month.

The Hidden Dragon mare is trained in Adelaide but has proven herself at Melbourne city grade since arriving on the east coast.

“I’ve watched her runs in Adelaide and here and she’s super slick and super impressive,” Moor said.

“With a bit of a weight drop I’m hoping she can again be effective in this race.”

Obsidian Dragon has won eight of her 21 race starts and has earned more than $270,000 in prize money.

The David Balfour-trained mare was purchased for just $35,000 at the 2009 Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale.

Moor is confident he can begin 2012 on a high after having a tough start to 2011 when banned for a month for his ride in Malaysia last February.

He was also fined 10,000 for the ride, which was deemed unsatisfactory.

“It cost me a lot of momentum but all the same it was an experience and I’ve come back better for it,” he said.