Apprentices set to battle it out at Eagle Farm

By Glenn Davis

A strong team of Queensland junior riders takes on the cream of the nation’s best apprentices when the National Apprentice Race Series continues at Eagle Farm on Wednesday.

Queensland currently leads the NARS Series with 47 points after Emily Lang claimed two wins in Adelaide last Wednesday.

Victoria is in second place with 32 points while South Australia is five points adrift in third place.

Queensland is yet to win the coveted NARS series but has been a bridesmaid a few times in recent years.

In-form rider Angela Jones spearheads the Queensland charge when she partners the Tony Gollan-trained Big Impact in the NARS Class 1 Plate over 1200 metres and Security Advisor for trainer Chris Meagher in the NARS Class 1 Plate over 1600 metres.

Jones, who is apprenticed to Gollan, is third in the Brisbane senior jockeys’ premiership with 54 wins behind James Orman on 66 wins and Ben Thompson on 64 wins.

As well as Jones, Queensland also will be represented by Marnu Potgieter, Yvette Lewis, Jaden Lloyd, Jake Molloy and Melea Castle.

Jones is excited and thrilled to again represent her state and is hopeful Queensland can remain on top of the ladder.

“It’s exciting to represent Queensland again as I had a ball last year,” Jones said.

“Emily Lang puts us on top last week and hopefully we can stay there.”

Jones has six rides at Eagle Farm including three for Gollan and rates Best Impact a strong chance in her heat of the apprentice’s series.

“I rode Big Impact last start and I know her well, but I’ve never been on Security Advisor but I’m sure Chris Meagher will have her in good order,” Jones said.

“I’m very pleased to be on Big Impact as I think she’s the pick of my bosses’ runners on Wednesday.”

Big Impact - a four-year-old - was a late bloomer and only made her race debut when winning on a heavy track at the Gold Coast last September.

The daughter of Real Impact was spelled after her second career effort at the Sunshine Coast later that month before resuming with her last start fifth to the Chris Munce-trained Aureus Angel in a 1200 metre Class 1 race at Ipswich on March 10.

Security Advisor started his career in Sydney with John Thompson, winning once in three starts, before owners Waratah Thoroughbreds sent him to Meagher’s stables at Eagle Farm.

The four-year-old finished second in his stable debut at Eagle Farm last month before a fast finishing second to the Annabel Neasham-trained Sleigh Queen in a 1400 metre Class 1 race at the Sunshine Coast on March 19.