Chad Schofield doesn’t care about the margin as long as he is at the top of the Sydney apprentices’ premiership at season’s end.
The youngster has been riding interstate and at the provincials while the senior jockeys have taken centre stage over the Sydney autumn carnival in recent weeks.
But he is back in town at Rosehill on Saturday and looking to cement his place as the leading junior rider.
Schofield, with 29 metropolitan winners, leads Sam Clipperton and Adam Hyeronimus by nine with 2-1/2 months of the season remaining.
The 18-year-old is looking forward to being back in the thick of things in Sydney after having to take a back seat to the senior riders during the major autumn races.
“I’ve been at the provincials and actually been travelling interstate while the carnival has been on and gaining experience,” Schofield said.
“Now that the carnival is over and the benchmark races are back I can use my claim and I’m looking forward to riding lots of winners in town again.”
The son of top Sydney-based jockey Glyn, Schofield has seven rides at Rosehill including three for premier trainer Chris Waller.
He said his short-term goal was to secure the apprentices’ premiership for the first time.
“The primary goal at the moment is to win it,” Schofield said.
“Whether it be by one or by 20 winners, as long as I win it I’ll be happy.”
During his interstate excursions, Schofield notched his first Melbourne winner aboard Red Typhoon at Caulfield on April 7.
“I just wanted to travel a bit and while my opportunities were limited in Sydney I thought it would be the best time to do it and gain some experience elsewhere,” he said.
Schofield will start his day at Rosehill aboard two-year-old Monaco Doll in the Calmsley Hill City Farm Juvenile Stayer (1800m) for his master David Payne, while his rides for Waller include Fast And Sexy in the Camden Hire Handicap (1200m).
Schofield’s father was meant to ride Fast And Sexy in last year’s Golden Slipper but the filly was scratched at the barriers before the $3.5 million race.
The apprentice rates the John O’Shea-trained Glintz as his leading hope in the Australian Rotary Health Handicap (1300m).
“Glintz looks to be my standout first-up,” Schofield said.
“I’m riding Monaco Doll for my boss and she is really looking forward to the 1800 metres.
“Fast And Sexy is one of my rides for Chris Waller and if she’s on song she’ll be taking a load of beating because she’s a class filly.”
