But his sixth season of junior driving could get a nice early surge judging by his book of drives at Forbury Park tonight.
McIlwrick opted to sit out the last month of last season in order to retain his junior drivers' status for this season and was immediately rewarded at Oamaru on Sunday when he steered home Bettor Buy It, moving McIlwrick to 75.
''It was good to get off the mark early and, hopefully, we can keep rolling on and get that scoreboard a bit higher,'' he said.
''To get to the 100 would be good - that will be the first goal and we will see what happens from there.''
McIlwrick has four chances to advance his cause tonight, starting with a mare he owns.
Sarah Kate (race 3) is a replacement horse for McIlwrick in an ownership role, after success with Nui Le and Hunters Collect in the latter stages of last season.
''Hopefully, she can do a job - she's got the draw and the field so you'd be disappointed if she doesn't win.''
The former Tom Twidle-trained pacer has been at Westwood Beach with McIlwrick's employer, Graeme Anderson, for the past five weeks. She has drawn one in what is just a fair field of maiden pacers, and McIlwrick expects to use the draw to his advantage.
''She should be in the trail at worst - I'll just let her do her thing. If she comes out quick enough to lead, that's cool but if she trails, she trails.''
Hopes And Dreams (race 5) will leave from an awkward spot in barrier 6, but was starting to live up to her potential last month when she dispatched a c1 field at Forbury Park last month.
The 4yr-old's dangers appear to be Gotta Del and Art I Am, but McIlwrick said her work had been up to the mark.
''Her style of racing tends to put her in the race. I haven't had the official instructions yet, but I assume they will be to put her in the race at some stage.''
McIlwrick's best chance could be in the last race of the quickfire seven-race card when he fires up Expresso Martini from the outside draw in a c2-c6 mobile pace.
The 5yr-old has won his past three starts and the small field should help him overcome the draw.
''He should be getting his foot in the till. He's a nice wee horse that has come right into form so I can't see why he can't do it again.''
McIlwrick is not committed to leading with the Met Eight Syndicate-owned pacer.
''He's pretty versatile. He can go back, go forward, or sit in the middle, so it just depends how it pans out early.''
Aside from stablemate Arden's Concord, Aquickone comes to Forbury Park off the back of a win over group 1 winner Luisanabelle Midfrew at Addington last week, while Tangos Delight is also a former group performer.
''There are a few there that have a few credentials. But the way he's been going, if he continues to do that, he'll be difficult to beat anyway.''
McIlwrick's other drive is behind the Barry Gooch-trained Tubby Jim in race 6.
''Barry seems happy enough, so hopefully it goes a good race.''
