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By Ray Hickson

There’s a changing of the guard coming in Sydney’s apprentice ranks and in the new season Zac Wadick wants to be at the forefront of it.

Zac Wadick (Pic: Bradley Photos).

Both Tyler Schiller and Dylan Gibbons have completed their apprenticeships while reigning champion apprentice Zac Lloyd will finish his indentures in the latter part of spring, opening the door for the next wave to step into the limelight.

Wadick has been part of the Brad Widdup stable for around eight months and he’ll partner promising galloper The Grey in the Casino Prince @ Vinery Stud Handicap (1200m) for his master at Canterbury on Wednesday, aiming to keep up the momentum he's building.

Fresh from a breakthrough Saturday win last weekend, on Mickey’s Medal for Annabel Neasham, the 21-year-old is excited for what might unfold over the next 12 months.

“The goal is to win the premiership next season and I think I can do it if I can get the right run and the right support,’’ Wadick said.

“It’s going to be a fresh roster of apprentices in the next season. It’s not going to be given to me by any means.

“I’ve been coming to town on a Saturday for the last few weeks and came awfully close to getting that result and just missing the mark.

“To get that win last Saturday was relieving, to know I could get there among the big boys in town. If we can get rolling from now that will give us plenty of momentum into the next season.

“It’s a super environment, Brad’s a top boss on and off the track. I’m really happy I’ve landed here.”

The Grey has raced twice and finished runner-up on both occasions, he debuted over 1100m on a soft track at Wyong before impressing Wadick when put out of his comfort zone over 1000m on heavy ground at Hawkesbury almost two weeks ago.

He said returning to firmer footing at Canterbury should be in his favour.

“His trials early days were a bit disappointing and he was gelded, we knew he had the ability there but he wasn’t putting in,’’ he said.

“But his trial at Gosford was really good and he went into his first start and surprised me.

“He was in the wrong position at Hawkesbury, he’s better off leading rather than chasing. He had to chase from a bit of a sticky draw and he still managed to fight on for second.

“I think he’ll be much better on firmer ground so I think we will see the best version of the horse.

“If he can run a solid 1200m he’ll be a very good chance. He’s coming together nicely now and hopefully we can get that win with him.”

Wadick teams up with Neasham again on Asgoodassobergets in the Dundeel At Arrowfield Handicap (1900m) and he says he’s learned from the experience of his first ride on the gelding.

That was at Warwick Farm two weeks ago when beaten two lengths into fourth behind Elsie May over 2130m on a heavy track.

The Grey runs second at Hawkesbury on July 11

“His run was very good last start, I maybe exposed him a bit early,’’ he said.

“It was my first time on him I didn’t really know what I had underneath me, when I pushed the button to go on him he sprinted up really well and peaked that last bit.

“I’ll know what I have this time and I think the Canterbury track will suit a lot better.”

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