Holding an almost unassailable advantage in the race for the Sydney apprentices’ title, Braith Nock has an opportunity to make a play for state honours.
With just over six weeks of the season remaining, Nock has inched to within two wins of NSW leader Ash Morgan after booting home his first metropolitan treble at Rosehill on Saturday.
He opened his account aboard Super Norwest for Matthew Dale in the TAB Highway Handicap (1400m) before adding to his tally on Annabel and Rob Archibald-trained stablemates Don’t Forget Jack in the Racing And Sports Handicap (1400m) and Mickey’s Medal in the Ranvet Handicap (1500m).
The trio took his tally of NSW wins to 98 this term, two behind Morgan whose brace of mounts in Brisbane were both scratchings.
“It’s in reach, definitely,” Nock said of the NSW riding title.
“He’s getting a few good opportunities too. It’s going to be hard to run him down.
“I’ve got a week’s suspension coming up, which gives that away a bit, but the apprentices’ title is looking pretty good.”
Nock will be sidelined through suspension this week but returns to the saddle in time for next Saturday’s Randwick meeting.
His season haul of metropolitan victories now sits at 33, putting him nine wins ahead of nearest rival Molly Bourke in the race for the apprentices’ title.
The 23-year-old has also ridden 100 winners Australia-wide for the first time in his fledgling career.
Don’t Forget Jack was coming off a disappointing effort at Rosehill when he became agitated pre-race but back to his best behaviour, he was able to run down Tasoraay by a long neck.
The Archibalds’ stable representative Megan O’leary believes will be more wins in stall for the three-year-old, who enjoys wet conditions.
“Nothing went right last start. It was obviously his first start here (Rosehill) and he got a bit worked up before the race,” O’leary said.
“It was great to see him handle it a bit better today and get back to his winning ways.
“He enjoys softer tracks and as long as the rain stays around he will be winning.”
