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By Ray Hickson

Apprentice Jace McMurray says an untimely suspension hasn’t changed his desire to remain in Sydney once his loan period with the Michael Freedman stable finishes up.

McMurray was suspended for two weeks starting this Sunday for his ride on Nellie Leylax at Rosehill last weekend meaning he’ll spend the bulk of the remainder of his loan on the sidelines.

Despite the setback, the 18-year-old says it’s been a positive introduction to the Sydney riding ranks and one he’d like to build on in the new season.

“The loan ends toward the end of the month and if everything stays the same with Michael I’ll have a little freshen up and get back into it,’’ McMurray said.

“I really like it here and I feel like I’ve fit in well with the stable so I’d love to stay.”

Jace McMurray (Pic: Bradley Photos).

It was a dream start for McMurray when he arrived in Sydney from the Gold Coast, riding five winners in the first month of his stay including notching his 100th career winner with a double at Canterbury on May 28.

While the past month has been tougher going he said that’s the reality of riding against not only some of the best jockeys in the world but competing for rides with a strong bunch of apprentices.

“We’ve been a bit unlucky, had a few bad barriers and a few scratchings and the last two weeks things haven’t gone our way,’’ he said.

“I had a talk with Michael before he went on holiday and hopefully things can pick up again when I come back from suspension.

“A freshen up going into the new season, as much as I’d love to get momentum over the next few weeks, wouldn’t hurt.”

McMurray rides at Canterbury on Wednesday, Gosford Thursday and Randwick on Saturday before starting his suspension.

He’ll partner last start Canterbury winner Mafia when he makes his debut for the Mitchell Beer stable in the Hyland Race Colours Handicap (1100m).

The gelding, formerly with Peter Snowden, was ridden by Regan Bayliss when he scored back in February and McMurray said from what he’s learned about the horse he can expect a positive showing fresh.

“It’s his first run for Mitchell and I spoke to Regan Bayliss the other night, he said the horse has a fair bit of ability,’’ he said.

His ride on Natural Deduction when the John O’Shea & Tom Charlton gelding was second-up is one McMurray would like to forget so he’s keen to get back in favour in the Headwater @ Vinery Stud Handicap (1900m).

The four-year-old bounced back from that failure at Canterbury on May 28, where McMurray was trapped wide, with a win over the same track and distance three weeks ago.

“He didn’t have any luck when I rode him, it wasn’t one of my best rides and he had a hard run,’’ he said.

“He obviously improved from the run and hopefully he can continue.”

All the fields, form and replays for Wednesday’s Canterbury meeting