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By Tony Megahey

It’s a long, long way from tiny Brewarrina to Rosehill Gardens for just one ride and in the first of 10 races on Saturday.

(L-R): Trainer Clint Lundholm, Ronald Simpson & Mathew Cahill at Narromine. Image by Janian McMillan (Racing Photography)

But for rising apprentice Ronald Simpson it’s a career highlight more as an enthralled spectator.

The great occasion goes way beyond his commitment on $26 TAB outsider Skyforger for Dubbo trainer Clint Lundholm, where the 23-year-old is apprenticed before he joins the Brisbane premiership Gollan stable on loan.

Simpson will be trackside to see his idols international champions Joao Moreira and Ryan Moore riding against the local stars on a fabulous day of racing that is headlined by the Kia Golden Rose.

“Ronnie is flying at the moment, he’ll appreciate a great day and seeing those internationals and the quality horses as much as I will," Lundholm enthused.

"And I think we’re a realistic chance in our race,” he added.

Simpson claims 3.5kg off the 56.5kg for dual race winner Skyforger in the TAB Highway $120,000 Class 2, 1500m.

“When we went up $51, that was ridiculous. Ronnie has won twice on him, he drops a stack in weight, he’s drawn well, has genuine upside and will relish 1500m.

“He’ll run us a race I thought around $16 was a more realistic price, it’s only a country Class 2.

“But it’s exciting times for the kid, he’s just about outridden his country allowance, he’s going up north for three months on loan to the Gollans.

“With their quality, its a fantastic opportunity.”

Ronald rode a double for the Gollan stable at the Sunshine Coast last Sunday and they’ll be aware of his phenomenal 17% strike rate of late.

“It sure is, it might even improve with our on Saturday,” Clint quipped. “But we’ll drive back for Bathurst on Sunday - we have a couple of chances.”

Bbut back to the “Gardens” on Saturday and the Matthew Dunn stable’s dominance has recent Highway events a bookies’ racing liability equivalent to the NRL Panthers.

After successive plunge of Highway wins catapulted Derry Grove into the $2 million The Kosciuszko, the Murwillumbah enterprise has three form stablemates entered - the $2.90 TAB favourite Take the Kitty, Desert Mist ($5.50) and $10 chance Al Ash Lad.

All are favourably drawn with respectively Zac Lloyd, Adam Hyeronimus and Nash Rawiller riding.

An early scratching will be Keith Dryden’s Missile Leader who was in the market at $5 with Dylan Gibbons.

“The jock said he wouldn’t extend at trackwork, had him checked by the vet, we’ll be scratching and he’ll go to the paddock now,” Dryden confirmed. Another early withdrawal is Dolly Jayne.

View final fields with full form & race replays for Rosehill Gardens here