3 minute read
Brilliant apprentices Reece Jones and Dylan Gibbons, who fought out the NSW premiership last season, are the jockeys to follow with compelling form and numbers for their heavyweight regional bosses throughout Scone’s TAB meeting on Friday.
Both are in demand everywhere - Jones has a full book including prime rides for Rod Northam, and Gibbons contenders for Kris Lees. Between them they rode 200 winners plus last season.
Ironically for all of that, Reece was on his way from Scone to the rain-ravaged Wyong meeting on Thursday for just one ride on an outsider in Tuffask (ran 5th).
"That's the way it goes, can't go your way all the time, I'm happy the meeting is going ahead for the club, trainers and owners," Reece offered.
"Scone would have been in doubt it was on today, but we've had clearing weather."
Reece has rides in all seven races on a heavy seven at present.
"Most are proven in the conditions and the two last start winners Fanz ($8 on TAB) and Shemakesastatement ($4.20 equal favourite) probably look the best," Reece said.
"They took us on before the turn at Quirindi and Fanz responded like a really progressive type - he's got the speed to get across from the draw."
Fanz contests the third event and Shemakesastament is in race five.
"Has the makings of a nice filly (Shemakesastament) - she's fitter third-up, has the pace to lead so the wide draw shouldn't be a concern. She can take the next step for sure.
"I don't know much about the debut runner in the first (Nacho Nacho Man-$11), but it won a trial well enough and they're happy to run it in the going.
"I rode Gold Lunar (race 6-$7) when it won in soft going last prep; it's last run was solid, it's drawn and will have benefited. But it's a strong form race.
"The Wayfarer (race 7-$6) was really impressive winning two last prep, lots of upside. I won on him at Tamworth, has the speed to offset a wide draw, fitter second-up and off a trial.
"But an unknown if the track stays heavy. Bootscooter (race 2-$9.50) will run a race it's been looking for further and is fitter."
At present Scone has a Heavy 10 rating in fine weather.
