Apprentice-Watch: Dale Swift & Adam Beschizza

Bloggers / Timeform / 22 July 2010 / Leave a Comment

Joe Cole has already benefited from Adam Beschizza's touch in the saddle

"Given that thus far most of his rides have come for what can only be described as smaller trainers, the likes of Julie Feilden, Simon Dow and Chris Dwyer hardly boasting a string of big-race successes between them, it’s to Beschizza’s credit that he’s ridden the fourteen winners that he has"

Kieran Packman picks out two apprentices from opposite ends of the country who have caught the eye

Having thankfully managed to avoid putting the skids on Giles Hawkins' rise through the conditional ranks, I'm going to propose a pair of apprentices on the Flat who are well worth their claims currently and should prove profitable to side with in the coming months.

First up a jockey from the North who boasts a level stakes profit on all turf rides, which is a rare feat in itself. Principally associated with Brian Ellison, Dale Swift has also ridden winners over the last week for the in-form pair of Ruth Carr and Alan Brown. Having had a spell (21 rides) over jumps, primarily for Ellison, during the winter, he got up and running for the year on the level with Poppy's Rose at Thirsk towards the end of May, since when a further thirteen winners have followed.

In terms of profile, Camerooney's Carlisle Bell success stands out, though scoring aboard Orpsie Boy just last week also warrants a mention given that success ended the horse's run of 31 outings without a win. He's appealed as tactically astute and accomplished in a finish, which is all you can ask for at this stage of his development.

While Swift will be eyeing up mounts in races such as the Ebor and November Handicap oop North, Adam Beschizza has so far plied his trade primarily at the likes of Brighton and Yarmouth. He's already in possession of a memorable nickname in Rich Tea (linked to the pronunciation of his surname), though that didn't help the limited footballer with the best nickname I've heard, (One Size) Fitz Hall. Thankfully, there seems a lot more to Beschizza than a mildly amusing name.

Given that thus far most of his rides have come for what can only be described as smaller trainers, the likes of Julie Feilden, Simon Dow and Chris Dwyer hardly boasting a string of big-race successes between them, it's to Beschizza's credit that he's ridden the fourteen winners that he has. Eastern Gift boasted a strike-rate of two wins from forty-two attempts and is a notoriously tricky ride, so the fact Beschizza won on him at his first attempt at Nottingham earlier this month speaks volumes.

Knock out those horses which started at a double figure price and his record over the last month reads superbly - 31142152025531212504115. He'll surely start to earn his chance on some more prestigious cards for some bigger names and I'm certain he's equipped with the talent to make his mark.