Talented apprentice Rasit Yetimova has been riding the crest of a wave of late with his three-win haul in Launceston last Sunday placing him well clear of his nearest rivals in the race for the leading apprentice title.
Yetimova’s tally of 24 wins looks certain to give him the title even if he doesn’t snare another winner at the remaining eight meetings of the season.
He is 15-1/2 wins clear of his nearest rival Bulent Muchu.
Yetimova’s three winners were courtesy of clever rides with his part in Majestic Draw’s maiden win clearly a telling factor.
Majestic Draw was having only his second start and was coming off an eye-catching fourth on debut on his home track on May 20.
The flashy chestnut gelding looked to be struggling on the slow-7 rated track before they reached the home turn but under strong riding from Yetimova the gelding responded and flashed home late along the rails to defeat Deputy Duke and Saumur.
Yetimova was brought to Tasmania by Broadmarsh trainer Walter McShane to who the Turkish-born rider is indentured but he has been placed on loan to Spreyton trainer Leon Wells for three months.
After Majestic Draw’s win, Wells said he would gladly keep Yetimova as his stable for the remainder of his apprenticeship.
“Rasit is a genuine enthusiastic and talented apprentice and he is a pleasure to have at our stable,” Wells said.
“He is on loan for three months but if there is an opportunity for him to remain with us then I’d be only too happy to accommodate,” he said.
Yetimova also partnered the Dianne Ray-Luttrell-trained Spy Wears Prado to an emphatic win in The Examiner Class 2 Handicap over 1400 metres and he ended the program with a clever ride to get Omega Quest home in the Balmoral On York Open handicap over 1600 metres.