Group One opportunities are hard to come by these days for Darren Gauci but the veteran jockey is keen to make the most of his chance in the Queensland Derby.

Gauci, 48, rode the first of his 34 Group One victories almost 30 years ago and is out to add another on Saturday after a near seven-year absence from the winner's list at racing's highest level.

He partners the Mike Moroney-trained Ali Vital at Eagle Farm and believes what the gelding lacks in brilliance, he could make up for in staying prowess.

"He's a nice horse in the making and one thing he will do is I'm confident he'll stay," Gauci said.

Gauci's opportunities have been limited in recent seasons but the man who won three of his four Melbourne jockeys' premierships in the 1980s while still an apprentice retains the desire to compete in the big races.

"I've been doing it for years and it's great to be still doing it," Gauci, who won his last Group One on El Segundo in 2006, said.

"They are hard to come by now, there's so many good jockeys around and there's a lot more jockeys, too.

"But I'm just looking forward to the race."

Gauci has ridden Ali Vital in five of his six starts and said he's proud of the horse for getting to the Derby.

A midweek Doomben win over 2200m last Wednesday week with Chris Munce aboard confirmed a Derby start for Ali Vital.

"We weren't quite sure if he was going to make it (to the Derby), but he has made it and I'm sure he'll run a good race," Gauci said.

Ali Vital, a $26 chance, is one of two Mike Moroney-trained runners and Gauci shares the trainer's opinion that Rhythm To Spare, one of the favourites, is the more brilliant of the two.

"(But) if it comes down to one of those races where it's just a real grind at the end, I know if I'm thereabouts I'm pretty confident (Ali Vital) will stick it out," Gauci said.

Gauci, who has ridden five winners this week, says the younger jockeys continue to keep him on his toes.

"You've got to go with the times a bit," he said.

"Even though I've been riding a while now, you've still got to think you can improve. Because you always can."