Man of the moment Glyn Schofield will be out to cause his second George Main Stakes upset in three years when he joins forces with Melbourne’s premier trainer Peter Moody on Saturday.
The internationally-experienced rider claimed his first Australian Group One success aboard outsider Road To Rock in the 2009 George Main and hopes talented mare Do Ra Mi can upset her more fancied rivals in the 1500m feature at Rosehill.
“It wouldn’t be a bad thing if I could win this race again,” Schofield said.
“I remember that she won a really nice race at Flemington in the autumn (Kewney Stakes) showing a dashing turn of speed and hopefully she can do the same tomorrow.
“Pete wouldn’t be bringing her up if she was just making up the numbers. You’ve got to take Moody’s horses seriously and I’m certainly doing that.”
Do Ra Mi is at $14 for the George Main with Stradbroke Handicap winner Sincero the clear favourite at $2.30.
Schofield kicked off Group One racing for the new season in fine style last Saturday when he earned praise for his winning ride after taking the initiative and going to the front on Manawanui in the $1 million Golden Rose.
“The spring is only just started but it was nice to get the first Group One of the season under my belt and hopefully it’s not going to be the last,” Schofield said.
Do Ra Mi forms part of a solid book of feature race rides for Schofield including one of his favourite horses Hawk Island in the Group Two Hill Stakes (2000m).
He also partners Sangster (Gloaming Stakes), Houston Benefactor (Tea Rose Stakes) and Monton (The Shorts).
Schofield said the strength of this year’s George Main appeared to be diluted because of the weight-for-age Group Two Hill Stakes (2000m) being on the same card.
Hawk Island is third-up into the Hill Stakes over a more suitable distance for the stayer.
“He’s come from being an off-season horse to being in contention for Group Ones,” Schofield said.
“He’s a horse that’s come on in leaps and bounds and I’ve been on board for most of his wins. I enjoy riding him because he always gives his all, he’s up to a more suitable distance tomorrow but obviously I’d be a lot happier with a bit of rain about.”
The jockey said Sangster would “strip a lot fitter” in the Gloaming than he was when second to Ambidexter in the Ming Dynasty Quality last start, while Houston Benefactor was not without a chance in the Tea Rose Stakes.
“She has shown glimpses of exceptional talent and if she can bring that into her race she can be thereabouts,” Schofield said.
“But she’s still got to prove it.”
AAP TURF
