Soon, Flatman was taking up more rides than any other jockey, on account of his being able to ride at 7 stone 5 lbs (46.7 kg) and his profile began to rise. In 1832, he had his first classic rides for Cooper. He is reported as having ridden The General in that year's renewal of the Derby, although the Racing Calendar of 1832 shows no record of a horse with that name running in the race. He also rode Gretna Green in the Oaks but finished unplaced.