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By Ray Hickson

Momentum is vital for an apprentice trying to make inroads in Sydney and that’s something Jett Stanley would like to keep up as he reunites with one of his favourites in Naval College at Randwick on Saturday.

Jett Stanley (Pic: Bradley Photos).

The 19-year-old faces a big job to run down reigning champ Zac Lloyd for the champion apprentice title but is keen to use the ‘off-season’ to lay the platform to make 2023-24 his best in his short career.

Stanley sits on 13 wins for the season, seven of them metro, so is aware there’s work to do to eclipse his 56 wins from the previous year.

“I feel like I’m going well at the moment, getting at least a city winner a week,’’ Stanley said.

“The opportunities are starting to build now and I’ve got to take them with both hands.

“You always have mini-goals going into a season and with the lead Zac has in the apprentice title I’d like to try and make a dint in it. If not this year, then definitely next.

“I’m lucky I’m light and that was able to pay off on Boxing Day where I picked up a light ride and was able to get the cash.”

That win was on outsider Lady Shenanigans. Stanley can’t wait to partner Naval College, $3.20 with TAB on Thursday, in the Petaluma Handicap (2000m) after the import’s pleasing first-up run two weeks ago.

The Annabel Neasham-trained galloper found a mile too short when beaten under three lengths by Grebeni and Stanley said he’s felt the horse progress with the run.

“I was able to canter him around on Wednesday morning and gallop him Tuesday and I think physically and mentally he’s come a long way since his last run,’’ he said.

“The 2000m will really suit him. He ran really well over 1800m last prep and was able to win second-up at 1800m and progressed to win third-up over 2000m.”

Stanley has guided Naval College to both his Australian wins so it’s no surprise he has a soft spot for the lightly raced five-year-old.

“I’ve had two wins and a third on him, he’s one of my stable favourites,’’ he said.

“I know him like the back of my hand and he knows me, so we get along well. He’s a beautiful animal and just a pleasure to deal with in any aspect.”

Just ahead of Naval College in that Randwick mile race was Stanley on Excellent Proposal and he’s expecting the gelding to back up a promising performance where he ran seventh, beaten 1-3/4 lengths.

It was the Michael Freedman-trained galloper’s third run since returning from Hong Kong and easily his best effort, appreciating the step up in distance.

The run as a $71 chance earned him more respect in the Drinkwise Maroubra Mile (1600m) where he was $7.50 with TAB on Thursday.

“I asked my manager to make sure we stuck with him,’’ he said.

Excellent Proposal (seventh) and Naval College's (eighth) last start at Randwick

“The wide barrier didn’t help and we had to get back but way he rattled home was really good.

“There was a good pace on early so I was able to get a nice economical run behind them. Through the line I feel as though I had a lot left underneath me.

“Hopefully we can get into a nice position and be closer to them.”

All the fields, form and replays for Saturday's Randwick meeting