The Sydney apprentice ranks are as strong as they’ve been for many years and one of the newest additions Jett Stanley is looking forward to what he describes as “a really exciting opportunity” on Saturday.
Stanley, the 19-year-old son of former Caulfield Cup-winning rider and now successful trainer Brent Stanley, is starting to firmly entrench himself in the Sydney ranks with 12 victories, four in town during the past month.
SIGN UP TO RACENET IQ FOR EXCLUSIVE TIPS AND ANALYSIS
His Rosehill book on Saturday is made up of eight rides with some of Sydney’s biggest stables securing his services.
“I’ve never had a book where I’m riding for so many top stables on one day,” Stanley said.
“To have a book that includes rides for Mr Waller, Ms Neasham, Ms Waterhouse, Mr O’Shea is beyond my wildest dreams.
“It’s a really exciting opportunity.”
Stanley made the move to Sydney back in April when his indentures were transferred to Annabel Neasham and after initial struggles, he’s now starting to well and truly find his feet.
Able to ride light despite his tall five foot 11 inch frame, Stanley is well placed to make a strong surge for Sydney apprentice honours next season with the likes of Tyler Schiller and Reece Jones set to come out of their time in 2023.
Naval College fights them off! ????
Great ride from young hoop Jett Stanley. @ANeashamRacing@stanley_jettpic.twitter.com/lMGN1hsLs7
— 7HorseRacing ???? (@7horseracing) May 27, 2023
“It’s been a work in progress,” he said.
“The first few weeks in Sydney were a bit rough.
“I went from being the leading apprentice in the area down in Victoria to coming to Sydney and struggling to ride a winner for the first few weeks.
“I think I only rode four winners in the first four weeks of April.
“It felt like a step back but it was actually a step forward because I was building relationships and things started to get moving in May.
“I can’t thank Ms Neasham enough and my manager Tilan (Lee).”
Stanley’s best rides on Saturday are Space Tracker for Neasham in the Petaluma 3&4YO Benchmark 72 Handicap (1400m) and the John O’Shea-trained Shalailed in The Agency Real Estate Benchmark 78 Handicap (1200m).