Peoples in NARS bid for Queensland

By Glenn Davis

The National Apprentice Race Series concludes at Doomben on Wednesday with Queensland hoping to lift itself off the bottom of the table.

Queensland claimed the coveted NARS title for the first time in 2023 when the series came down to the final day at Sandown.

Angela Jones sealed the victory for Queensland on that occasion. 

However, Queensland did not repeat the feat in a disappointing 2024 campaign when they finished at the bottom of the standings.

This year’s series began in Hobart on March 23 and has since been held in Darwin, Perth and Adelaide before it winds up with two final heats at Doomben.

South Australia will go into the final day at the top of the table with 34 points.

SA hold a seven point lead over second placed Tasmania.

Queensland is at the bottom of the table with 15 points and has no chance of regaining the trophy it won two years ago.

Helping to restore pride for the host state will be Emily Lang who looks to have a great chance of winning both NARS divisions of the Class 1 Plates.

Lang, who leads the Brisbane jockeys’ premiership by five wins, will ride the Tony Gollan-trained Livalittle in the colts and geldings event and Glowlight for Matthew Dunn in the fillies and mare’s race.

Lang's team mates include Cody Collis, Bailey Wheeler and Olivia Kendal while Felicity Atkinson will represent leaders South Australia.

Livalittle drew barrier two while Glowlight will jump from the same gate.

A son of The Autumn Sun, Livalittle was an impressive winner in a 1200 metre Maiden Handicap at his only start at the Sunshine Coast on March 23.

Glowlight made up late ground to finish fourth in a 1400 metre Class 1 Plate at Eagle Farm on March 22.

Atkinson will have her first Queensland ride on the Louie Peoples-trained Let’sgo Hugo before piloting Southern Charm for 'Team Munce' in the fillies and mare’s event. 

Peoples has been training in his own right for eight months and is looking for his first city winner.

“I trained with my mother (Kristie) for about 10 months before going out on my own,” Peoples said.

“I don’t’ know much about Felicity but I’ve done some research and she appear to ride quite well.”

Peoples is hoping for a strong showing from Let’sgo Hugo who hasn’t raced since finishing third in a 1600 metre Class 1 Plate on his home track at the Sunshine Coast on New Year’s Day.

“I’ve got a good opinion of this horse.” Peoples said.

“It’s still early in his career and he’ll be better once he gets out to 1800 metres.

“He’s got the potential to race very well fresh so I’m expecting a good run from him.”