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By Tony Megahey

Phenomenal first season apprentices Reece Jones and Dylan Gibbons, who dominated the NSW apprentices' title, are primed to continue compelling rivalry and punting pushes for Scone’s TAB meeting on Tuesday.

Jones topped the “ton” of winners in a superlative comeback after serious injuries, while Gibbons with 86 successes also a revelation in a debut season for Kris Lees.

Talented apprentice Dylan Gibbons

Jones has a full book throughout the seven Scone races and Gibbons five rides, the majority for Lees.

Just as importantly for Dylan is the injury update on his father Andrew, following a fall at Newcastle last month.

“Dad’s progressing okay, he’ll be in a leg brace for a long while after cracking his knee-cap and he fractured his sternum, but we’re grateful it wasn’t worse,” Dylan explained.

Meanwhile, Dylan assessed the prospects of a Lees Irish import Winter Thorn along with stable newcomers.

“We’ll know a lot more with this race - he gave me a nice feel in a trial and while 2000m placings back home suggest ‘1600m’ is too short, he might have the ability for this grade,” Dylan offered as Winter Thorn contests the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Class I and maiden 1600m.

“He’s definitely progressed with one start and trials since a long spell. So, if he’s adapting this prep, we know the form out of his races back home is solid and the big straight will suit him.”

Dylan rides Lees's Ciao Bicky and Pacheco in respective maidens: “Ciao Bicky closed off on debut at 1100m, he’ll be suited out to 1300m - won a trial and is progressive.

“I rode Pacheco in a trial, he went well enough, he’ll be better over further, but the inside gate is the bonus on debut.”

Jockey Christian Reith is also set for a productive day with prospects for Lees and last-start winners, Full Coverage for the Doyle stable in the opener, and Baiyka (race 6) for Scott Singleton, both advantaged by inside barriers.

At present Scone is assessed a soft 5 in fine weather.

View the final fields with full form & race replays for Scone here