Hard Work Paying Off For Sam Clipperton

Sam Clipperton started his senior riding career by setting himself a challenge.

At the beginning of the season, the 20-year-old vowed to lay the foundations that he hoped would eventually help him become one of the best jockeys in Sydney.

His goal was simple: forge relationships with the leading stables and work hard.

Knowing many champion apprentices struggle to get a foothold in the highly competitive Sydney ranks once they lose their claim, Clipperton also braced for a struggle.

But having capitalised on some recent opportunities, particularly for Godolphin, he finds himself in the unexpected position of having rides for three of the top six stables in Sydney on Saturday.

"It's overwhelming. When I first came out of my time I was - not worried - but aware things could perhaps slow down and I might go through six months to a year of me having to work really hard to establish myself," Clipperton said.

"I'm doing that but it's great I've been getting support off all the top trainers, particularly John O'Shea and Godolphin. It's a privilege to be able to ride for them.

"I'm going out there and really giving it my all, which I always do. I've got a goal to really establish myself with the top riders in Sydney and I'm going full steam ahead."

O'Shea has booked Clipperton for two mounts at the Kensington track meeting - Sinjoren in the Coolmore Handicap and Terai in the First So You Think Yearlings @ 2015 Sales Plate.

Clipperton won aboard Terai three starts ago and the mare returns to Sydney after finishing a creditable eighth to Suavito in a Group Two race at Flemington during the Melbourne Cup carnival.

Sinjoren has struggled to recapture the form that resulted in him stringing together four wins last year but his trackwork on Tuesday has Clipperton optimistic for a turnaround.

"Sinjoren hasn't really found the form he was in last preparation but I worked the horse on Tuesday morning and his work was very sharp," Clipperton said.

"He's the sort of horse where if you can utilise his big, long-striding action from the 600 metres onwards he can really sustain that. If he can improve he will be right there for sure."

His other rides include last-start winner Eisenhower for Gai Waterhouse and the Peter and Paul Snowden-trained She's A Girl.