Jockeys wagering large bets on races have created the boldest recent headlines in Australian racing, but the perceived seriousness of the alleged breach of rigid regulations by two Sydney jockeys, Peter Robl and Blake Shinn, continues to leave me flummoxed.

While the rules of racing are indisputable, I suppose, the actual application, to me at least, seem flawed.

It really boils down to the eleventh commandment - thou shall not get caught!

Naivety would be rampant if everyone believed all jockeys abstain from betting.

It is an accepted fact that the entire industry relies heavily on betting turnover. Just take a look over the relative merits of whether corporate bookmakers' taxation model should be on turnover or gross revenue.

Provided there is no breaching of racing rules in the manner in which a jockey rides, one must ponder what is wrong with them financially supporting their mounts.

Stewards are so keen to broadcast changes of riding tactics, imagine the effect on betting turnover if it was announced before a race that a jockey had put $1000 on his mount.

All of the above may appear flippant. But one listener to Sky Sports Radio proffered the comment that if jockeys are not permitted to bet, then why should trainers be allowed to bet with such impunity?

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On the question of jockeys, you have to admire Craig Williams. His professionalism is as good as any.

A regular track walker, he seems to leave no stone unturned in his quest for winners. And in radio or television interviews he provides a form talk equal to the experts.

A parting of the ways with the powerful David Hayes stable hasn't hindered his career, either.

Adding another Group One to his scorecard in Perth last weekend was another ride of excellence. Williams deftly dictated the terms of the Railway Handicap on Gathering and left the opposition gasping in his wake.

And now he is off to further enhance his international credentials with a brief campaign in Japan where he has ridden successfully previously.

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Although Williams stole the limelight last weekend, never underestimate the influence of leading jockey, Paul Harvey, on Perth's racing.

With the irreverence for which punters are renowned, Harvey bears the sobriquet of The Pontiff no doubt because of Pope Paul IV, the leader of the Catholic Church in the 1960s and 70s.

The simile, of course, is that Paul Harvey is the undisputed leader of Perth congregation of jockeys having won 11 of the past 14 premierships.

Apart from a brief stint in Melbourne as an apprentice, Harvey has steadfastly stuck to his home territory with lucrative results.

Brief sorties to the eastern states have been successful for Harvey, winning an Australian Cup on Old Comrade and a Victoria Derby on Plastered.

Talking about Harvey he may well take out the Ascot feature on Saturday, the Group Two Winterbottom Stakes with in-form four-year-old Waratah's Secret.

A model of consistency, Waratah's Secret looks poised to atone for a slender defeat as favourite at his latest start a fortnight ago. He is now $5.50 with TAB Sportsbet Fixed Odds, drifting from his $3.80 opening price.

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Another highlight at Ascot will be the two races for international jockeys. Some of the world's best have been mustered for the meeting including, Gerald Mosse, the Melbourne Cup winner on Americain earlier this month.

Despite Mosse having the wind in his sails, I think a fellow Frenchman, Olivier Doleuze, may triumph in the first of the internationals, Race 4, on Elle Choisit.

This four-year-old mare comes into the race soundly credentialed and looks capable of converting her latest Bunbury success to a metropolitan area win.

This is going to seem to be unpatriotic and un-Australian, but I am tipping a clean sweep for France because Gerald Mosse has strong claims in race 5 on Delta Bay.

Delta Bay has had a couple of recent placings in Perth and at the end of October ran a creditable fourth in a 1400-metre event at Ascot.