The decision by Sydney’s champion apprentice Chad Schofield to remain in Victoria is already looking like a smart move.
The 18-year-old scored in the opening race at Sandown on Wednesday when he booted home Rock Robster for Euroa trainer David Hayes.
Schofield, who collected last year’s Sydney apprentices’ title with 39 wins, brought Rock Robster with a swooping run in the Ascend Sales & Sponsorship Consultancy Handicap (2400m) to crush Hidden Message by four lengths.
Warwarick was another 10 lengths away third.
Conferre, the $3.20 favourite, finished fourth, ending her run of three straight victories.
Hayes said he was delighted Schofield had decided to join his stable on a more permanent basis and forecast a bright future for the fresh-faced teenager.
“This is his time now because he’s got the two kilo claim and I think he rides better than a lot of the seniors,” Hayes said.
“We’re hoping we have a bit of a run with him now.”
Hayes said four-year-old Fastnet Rock mare Rock Robster would now be aimed towards the Listed Bagot Handicap (2800m) at Flemington in January.
“These Fastnets are great, they just get better with age. They show a bit young and get better and better,” he said.
“You get them and don’t sack them.”
Schofield described Rock Robster as “just the best ride ever”.
“She just switches off in her races and all I had to do was just keep her out of trouble,” Schofield said.
“I was always confident and when I let her go she was just too good.”
