Respected horseman Greg Hickman is one of a growing band of fans of leading apprentice Chad Schofield.
Hickman has booked the youngster to ride Palasport in Saturday’s Action Business Coach Handicap (2400m) at Rosehill and says his two-kilo claim is only part of Schofield’s appeal.
“Chad’s been riding work for the stable so it’s time to pay him back for his efforts,” Hickman said.
“The kid is keen as mustard. He’s dedicated and while he’s got that attitude he will keep improving.
“Just look at where he is in the (jockeys’) premiership (eighth). It says it all.
“He can’t do much more than what he’s been doing and I like the way he listens to what you have to say.”
Schofield, the son of senior hoop Glyn, is the only junior rider among the top 10 in the Sydney jockeys’ premiership.
With several of the established jockeys riding in the Magic Millions races at the Gold Coast on Saturday, the youngster will get the chance to make further inroads.
Palasport has been racing consistently with consecutive seconds over 1900m at Canterbury before breaking through for a narrow victory over Saturday’s rival Republic Lad two starts ago.
He turned in an uncharacteristic effort last start when a tiring sixth to Tropicana Girl but Hickman said he appeared to have bounced back well.
“He pulled up fine and he’s done well since,” Hickman said.
“His work at home has been good. I’m happy with the way everything is going and it doesn’t look to be an overly-strong race.”
Palasport will be one of two runners for Hickman along with More Than Irish in the Blackwoods New Catalogue 2012 Handicap (1500m).
Another apprentice, Shaun Guymer, will partner More Than Irish who is up in grade after resuming with an unplaced effort over 1300m at Kembla Grange last start.
Hickman believes the gelding will improve as he steps up in trip.
“He is looking for a staying trip eventually,” Hickman said.
“It’s probably not the right race for him but down the track I think he will be up to a race like this.
“He will be big odds but he’ll run well.”
Schofield has six rides on the eight-race card including Madibagold for his master David Payne in the TAB Sportsbet Handicap (1300m) and his stablemate Diamond Jim in the final race.
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