He is the whiz kid in Australian racing thanks to his recent purple patch in form. Now Chad Schofield has been rewarded for his feats by retaining the ride on New Day Rising, who won impressively at Rosehill on the weekend, in the Group 2 Villiers Stakes (1600m) at Warwick Farm on Saturday.
Given that it is a blacktype event, Chad cannot use his claim, which means he meets all the gun riders equally. But the fact that trainer Gary Portelli has stuck with the 17-year-old for the prestigious mile race given his confidence the world of good.
Chad Schofield winning on Titbit at Rosehill on Saturday - Photo by Steve Hart
“Yeah it most certainly is a major boost of confidence,” Schofield said.
“I’m really looking forward to the race as it will be the biggest I’ve raced in so far in my career.”
Before his big moment, he’ll have to slog it out on a bog track at Kembla Grange on Wednesday where he has six rides, starting off with Svita, a mare formerly trained by Tony Noonan who now is under the care of of Anthony Cummings. The daughter of Success Express didn’t set the world on fire first up and although the rider doesn’t know what to expect from the mare, he does have one advantage heading into the race.
“I don’t know much about the horse,” He said.
“But i feel the track will be very heavy on Wednesday and any horse who can handle the wet has a realistic hope.”
A horse who he knows well is Ranchero, who will contest the 2400m event. The apprentice believes that the maiden galloper can be right in the finish, even though he has been a frustrating horse for trainer David Payne.
“He is an odd horse,” Schofield said.
“He has his fair share of ability but he wastes that by wanting to run with his head high in the air.”
“Mr Payne has tried all sorts of race gear on him, but nothing seems to work.”
“He enjoys the wet tracks and will stay all day, so that should help his chances.”
His best ride of the day appears to be the Gai Waterhouse debutante Lavender Mist in the fourth race. The daughter of Exceed And Excel trialled sensationally recently and it gives the young rider a golden opportunity to win an event for the first lady of racing.
“Lavender Mist trialled well,” He said.
“I’m sure it will be tuned up to run a big race on debut.”
A horse he said that shouldn’t be left out is Air Comet, who’ll contest the sixth race. He believes the gelding will relish the step up to 1600m after battling away solidly last start at Hawkesbury as a short price favourite.
“He is a lightly raced horse who is clearly crying out for the mile,” The youngster said.
“He is very honest and I’m sure he will give his all on Wednesday.”
His other two rides are Manjenine and Linbob for local trainer Gwenda Markwell. They both do appear, on form, as if they will struggle to win, but the apprentice did say he could see the speedy Manjenine causing an upset.
“I’m not 100% sure he will have the speed to lead,” He said.
“But if not, I could see him enjoying a dream run just in behind the leaders from the good barrier and having the last crack.”
Written by Adam Page
