STANLEY AFTER BETTER FORTUNE THIS TIME

WILL Stanley hasn’t forgotten the first and only time he had a stack of city rides in town.

It was the last Saturday meeting of the 2024-25 season at Royal Randwick on July 26 last year – and he had eight bookings, and finished up with seven rides (Lohnro’s Queen was scratched).

“It wasn’t the best day,” the Newcastle apprentice said today.

“The best I could do was two placings; second on Happy Honey ($10) and third on Forecaster ($5).”

Stanley’s other rides finished sixth, seventh (twice), ninth and 10^th.

Not quite 12 months later, a similar opportunity has presented itself with six bookings at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday – and this time he is hoping for better fortune.

Stanley’s rides are Masoun (Benchmark 78 Handicap, 2000m), Damien (Benchmark 72 Handicap, 1400m), Wollzeile (Benchmark 72 Handicap, 1100m), Little Beginnings (CG&E Benchmark 78 Handicap, 1300m), Miss Busslinger (F&M Benchmark 78 Handicap, 1300m), and Pier Pressure (Benchmark 78 Handicap, 1500m).

All expect Masoun are prepared by Stanley’s boss, leading Newcastle trainer Kris Lees.

Irish import Masoun, a four-times winner, is a relative newcomer to champion trainer Chris Waller’s team, and makes his debut after two unplaced Australian runs in Melbourne.

They were over shorter distances (1300m at Bendigo on May 2, and 1600m at Sandown on May 23), and steps up to a more suitable trip.

“It’s great to get another ride for Chris,” Stanley said.

“I’ve had only a couple of rides for him, and yet to get a winner.”

Stanley, who relocated from Orange in the latter part of 2024 to join Lees at Newcastle, has ridden 37 winners this season (42 last season).

Nine of his current season winners have been in town, three more than last year.

“I have six more winners before my metropolitan allowance is reduced from 3kg,” Stanley said.

He is confident he will be able to utilize his full 3kg claim on all six bookings on Saturday.

Whilst he walks around at 56kg, he will have a sweat tomorrow evening and again on Saturday morning before heading off to the races to ride at around 54.5kg.

His first booking is Masoun in the fourth race at 12.45pm.

Stanley is scheduled to complete his indentures on October 23, but intends applying to RacingNSW to extend his apprenticeship.

STORY JOHN CURTIS, JUNE 11, 2026 - PICS BRADLEY PHOTOS