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By Tony Megahey

In form apprentice Patrick Scorse has worked overtime to reduce his minimal riding weight, contributing to another productive book of five rides at this afternoon’s Queanbeyan TAB meeting headed by dual recent Goulburn winner Halberd.

Racing NSW stewards last week granted permission for Patrick, indentured to the Joseph and Jones stable, to reduce from 54 kg to 53.5kg.

The 18-year-old was inspired by his father, triple Group One winning jockey and SKY Racing commentator John Scorse, to turn professional. Patrick, who is a former champion equestrian, has so far notched 14 winners on south eastern tracks, the latest at Canberra on Friday on Joseph and Jones’ Critical Touch. “Every kilo counts in this business, it’s toughest in winter to keep weight stable, Patrick is a tall lad, so it hasn’t been easy, but he’s riding confident, getting opportunities and has some nice rides at Queanbeyan,” said John, who is also Patrick’s agent.

Halberd, ridden in both Goulburn wins by Patrick, is weighted at 61kg but will drop to 58kg with the apprentice’s vital claim in the ACTEW AGL class 3 race over 1600m.

“Halberd will be hard to beat off those Goulburn wins as Patrick’s 3kg claim off that big weight brings him really well in,” John Scorse said.

“I understand Halberd was to be nominated for Saturday’s Rosehill Highway but it was a class 2 so with three career wins he wasn’t eligible.

“He’s race fit and flying. He’ll lead or box seat again but the key in a small field is how much pressure comes from Mossy Girl with no weight. She’s only got 50.5 kg with the claim.”

“Probably Patrick’s next best is Moss Fever in the fourth, he’s fitter for recent racing and has won three at the track.

“And Singled Out for Barb Joseph and Paul Jones in the sixth, is a chance in race with some depth. In a maiden, Jauphikoah placed its first start, so looks a logical improver from a good gate in a moderate race without knowing the unraced horses.”

Patrick’s remaining ride is Beerwillfixit that contests a later maiden and will be longs odds after five unplaced starts.

At present Queanbeyan has a good three track rating.

View the fields and form for Queanbeyan races here.