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Source : Racenet by Mitch Cohen
Talented apprentice Thomas Stockdale has been keenly awaiting a hand like the one he’s got at Rosehill on Saturday.
The former Victorian young gun has been working hard for his opportunities since arriving in Sydney three months ago for a loan stint with Chris Waller and is hoping to capitalise on the weekend.
Stockdale is booked for six rides on the nine event card with five for Waller and while none are favourites, all are given some hope from the bookies at TAB.com.au
He rides Fastconi ($17), Humbolt Current ($15), Across Dubai ($14), True Detective ($13), Savigne ($8) and the Kim Waugh-trained Oxford Tycoon ($13) in the last.
“Provided it holds up, I have been wanting to get a book like this numbers wise for a while so I am looking forward to it,” Stockdale said.
“While they aren’t red hot favourites most of them are in with a good chance.
“I have been here nearly three months now and am starting to find my feet but you have to earn and work hard for the opportunities you get.
“I am excited for the weekend.”
The strong hand comes at a pivotal time in Stockdale’s Sydney stint with around three weeks remaining in his loan period in Sydney.
He is indentured to his cousin Shane Stockdale in Victoria but he could still remain in Sydney for a longer stint.
It’s not a decision Stockdale plans on rushing.
“I came up here for the challenge and to see how it went over the three month loan but I am not one to rush a decision and set it in stone,” Stockdale said.
“With something like this I like to sit on it and then make the call when I know.
“I’ve got three more weeks riding here so hopefully I can ride another winner or two and it will open a few more doors.”
Stockdale steered home a Saturday winner for Chris Waller last weekend aboard He Runs Away and he believes another of the trainer’s runners will provide him with his best chance on Saturday.
He pilots Savigne in the Quincy Seltzer Benchmark 78 Handicap (1350m).
The pair combined for a win at Canterbury two starts back and Stockdale is hopeful of adding to that tally.
“It is probably shorter than her best but she’s going well,”
“She had a bit of a freshen up after I won on her at Canterbury and probably found the 1300m a bit sharp last start.
“She only steps up to the 1350m here but from a low draw we should be able to be closer in the run and sitting behind them.
“I think she’s a nice each-way hope.”
Stockdale indicated he also liked the each way chances of True Detective and Oxford Tycoon.