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It’s been a dream start to apprentice Mitch Stapleford’s career in the saddle and his boss Scott Singleton says it’s important to him to support the 21-year-old while he’s learning the craft.
The grandson of training legend Albert Stapleford finished second in his first race ride then won his next three, all for Scott Singleton, and after a trip to Mendooran for a couple of rides on Saturday he'll be carrying the load for the Scone trainer at Sunday's Moree Cup meeting.
One of those rides is on I'm Not Slew who handed Stapleford his first winner at Muswellbrook back on August 11.
"He's a nice kid, he has a good level head on his shoulders and he rides well. He's always trying to learn and better himself,'' Singleton said.
"It's pretty hard for him to learn on horses going backwards and if their boss can't give them some decent rides who is going to.
"And I think it kills two birds with one stone, the horses are well placed after the claim and it gives him some opportunities."
Singleton's talented sprinter Comonic makes his return in the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Moree Town Plate (950m) and after the 4kg claim he'll carry just 57kg, the same weight he was allotted at his last start in a Benchmark 78 at Randwick back in June.
The gelding, $1.60 with TAB on Saturday, trialled with Stapleford on board a couple of weeks ago and Singleton said he's ready to go.
"I think he's ging terrific and he seems to be working as good as ever,'' he said.
"He looks well in that race after the claim, we expect him to be fairly hard to beat.
"The 950m there is right up his alley, he's better over 1000m than he is over 1100m but it's hard to find the shorter races."
Outishka is a mare that Singleton has plenty of time for and said the break since her debut third behind Once Again My Girl on her home track has done her a world of good going into the $50,000 Hayman's Electrica Super Maiden (950m).
She hasn't appeared since a nine length win in a Muswellbrook barrier trial at the end of July.
"She just had enough I think, she got into that race where they ran time and he just didn't quite have her race legs. She's come back a stronger filly,'' he said
"She's still getting a little bit lost but I think she'll be pretty hard to beat.
"She's drawn a good barrier and hopefully something can go with her for the majority of the race to give her a bit of guidance."
I'm Not Slew as mentioned was Stapleford's first winner and Singleton will be looking for a repeat of that ride in the RDO Equipment Handicap (950m) from another wide alley.
"She drew wide the other day and went straight to the front so it will be similar again,'' he said.
"At least you can take your time, you're not going to get crossed. A bit like Comonic, 950m suits her and she's well in with the allowance for Mitch in a Class 3."
Singleton on Den Moss (race 3): "He drew wide at Tamworth and pushed forward and led, I'd say he'll do the same. He's fit and going well, it's the right race and he'll be competitive."
