Chad Schofield, who is closing in on his first apprentices’ title, will tick off another milestone if Alberton Park wins at Rosehill on Saturday.
Schofield returns from suspension with eight rides including equal favourite Alberton Park in the Listed Civic Stakes (1400m).
The youngster is chasing his first victory at stakes level and believes reuniting with the John O’Shea-trained mare gives him a great chance of a breakthrough.
“I’ve won on her before and I’m really grateful to the owners and Mr O’Shea for giving me the opportunity to get back on her,” Schofield said.
“Hopefully I can repay them by winning on Saturday.”
When Schofield started a six-meeting careless riding suspension two weeks ago he held a 14-win lead over his nearest rival in the race for the Sydney apprentices’ premiership.
Sam Clipperton and Adam Hyeronimus could only peg back one win in his absence.
“I was out for two weeks and I was worried they might bridge the gap,” Schofield said.
“Luckily I still hold a big lead with 10 meetings left.
“I’m trying not to think about it and I want to just keep riding winners.
“It (the apprentices’ premiership) has been a goal of mine since before I started race riding so to be so close to getting it is really amazing.”
Schofield won on Alberton Park in January in the mare’s first start for O’Shea after arriving from Queensland trainer Liam Birchley.
The mare has raced in six stakes events since, including winning the Listed June Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill two starts back.
“She’s very talented and very honest,” Schofield said.
“She was only beaten three lengths in the (Group One) Coolmore Classic (in March) and if she’s anywhere near her best she’s going to be very hard to beat.”
The 18-year-old has ridden 36 metropolitan winners this term and can build on that with his Rosehill book which includes five rides for premier trainer Chris Waller.
Alberton Park and Famous Seamus share the top line of betting at $4.60 for the Civic Stakes with last-start Rosehill winner Ideal Position at $6 and Tromso at $7.
