Locals keen to land National Apprentice Race Series blow

By Glenn Davis

Some of Australia's top young apprentice riders will be showcased when the National Apprentice Race Series continues at Eagle Farm on Wednesday.

At the halfway mark of the series, Queensland is equal fourth with Western Australia on 14 points.

Queensland claimed the coveted NARS title in 2023 and is seeking to bounce back after two disappointing results in 2024 and 2025.

Tasmania is leading the title race with 25 points, just one point clear of nearest rival South Australia.

Sunshine Coast trainer Stuart Kendrick is hopeful Queensland apprentice Corey Sutherland can peg back the Tasmanians in the first leg of the local series in the Class 1 Plate over 1600 metres.

Sutherland, who is apprenticed to his father Stephen on the Sunshine Coast, will partner Kendrick’s last start winner Inside Passage.

Inside Passage, who drew barrier 10, broke his maiden status over 1640 meters at Doomben on March 4.

“I can’t seem to draw a decent barrier lately,” Kendrick said.

“But, he was really good the way he won at Doomben and he’ll be better suited at Eagle Farm.

“It’s not a good draw but he takes his time to find his feet and he’s getting better every preparation.

“If Corey gets a bit of luck and finds a nice spot early from the alley, he’ll be running on well and hopefully win for Queensland.”

Sutherland had some better luck with barriers after drawing gate four in the second leg aboard the Kelly Schweida-trained Saint Aldwyn.

Saint Aldwyn is owned by Ron and Judy Wanless and is coming off a first-up win in a 1200 metre maiden at Doomben on March 18.

It was the Zoustar three-year-old’s first start for Schweida after placing in one of his previous four starts for champion Sydney trainer Chris Waller.

The NARS campaign heads next to Sandown in Victoria on April 15 before concluding at Murray Bridge in South Australia on April 22.

Last year’s NARS was won by South Australia, who fended off a late charge from Tasmania to win by two points with Western Australia, one point away in third.

First held in 2008, the NARS is Australia’s premier apprentice-only race series and showcases the riding talents of the country’s most exciting young jockeys.

While other apprentices can compete in the NARS races, only the nominated rider from each state can score points in the national competition.