3kg claimers are 3kg claimers for a reason and an experianced punter like yourself should know the risks associated with a bet on them.
In my book they rate alongside the following,

First Uppers over 1600m or more.
Second Up runners.
Horses coming sharply back in distance.
Horses rising sharply in distance.
Horses drawn outside 14
etc etc

Doesn't mean they can't win and they do but how often and at what strike rate? You take the risk when you put the loot on.

I read an article that stated unless you know that the apprentice can ride don't bet.
It justified this by stating that a senior rider was worth lengths on an apprentice. Most handicapping systems work on the weight the horse is alloted before app allowances as they feel that the allowance makes up for the app ability or lack of. Its only when you cotton to a super app that there is money to be made.

To defend the apprentice he's got to learn somewhere and unlike an electrical app he can't have a tradesman leaning over his shoulder assisting him but I bet he feels like a ************ when he views the video!!!!!

Geraldton has two 6 horse fields today one of which looks a simple 1,2,3 (R4) so will be interested to see if a longshot gets in the way?