I have been following the progress of a promising apprentice for some time now and after his ride at Packenham(Race 8 29.11.05) I feel that he has "come of age" and should go on to bigger things-as long as he gets the opportunities.
His name?............................A. Darmanin
He rode a masterful race indicating skills far beyond his years. He was on No.5 Al Chergar and coming into the straight it appeared that he was "snookered on the rails" behind the front-runners. However, he extricated his mount and came down the outside with a withering burst to grab third place, paying $2.10plNSW($1.80 elsewhere). I'm not kidding, not many other apprentices would have shown the same initiative as well as the obvious ability to get his mount home in such a manner. Sure, he didn't win but betting in the ratio of 1x5 as I do, it returned a very welcome dividend on a program which in my opinion has been a bit "difficult."
Several weeks ago, I first noted this boy's ability when on a Friday he had only one ride at a nondescript provincial meeting which he duly won and advised the course commentator that he had only one ride at the MV meeting later that evening.
I took note of this and he duly saluted that evening....2 rides for the day and two winners. I noted that this was an apprentice who warranted closer scrutiny and in my opinion he has continued to improve. I now have no reservations in backing him at any venue at which he is riding(when I believe that he has a realistic winning chance) and I suggest that others give this young fellow some serious consideration if you notice him riding at either Victorian city, country or provincial venues.
Of course, being an apprentice he cannot command the same choice of rides as enjoyed by some of our premier hoops but this bloke, in my opinion is the "real deal."

Cheers.