Glyn Schofield has returned from suspension, a back injury and Bali, and is looking forward to reuniting with three-time Group One-winner Le Romain in Brisbane.
The senior jockey saluted after his solitary booking at Hawkesbury on Thursday to get his eye in, and after riding at Scone on Friday, heads to Brisbane to partner the Kris Lees-trained gelding in the Group One Doomben 10,000 (1200m).
Lees has opted to take on Redzel and In Her Time rather than head to Scone for the Listed Luskin Star Stakes (1300m).
The Newcastle trainer would have preferred a softer tack but the lure of a Group One race proved irresistible as Le Romain targets the weight-for-age Group One Kingsford Smith Cup (1350m) at Doomben on May 26.
“That’s the race that’ll suit him the most,” Lees said.
Schofield, who rode Le Romain to victory in last year’s Group One Canterbury Stakes, was unperturbed by a track that was still in the soft range on Friday.
“If it’s wet it’s better, but if it’s dry, no worries. He ran really well in his last two starts on dry ground,” he said.
Le Romain handled the good surfaces when fourth in the Group One TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) with Schofield before a last-start second to TJ winner Trapeze Artist in the Group One All Aged Stakes (1400m) on April 21.
Schofield’s back seized up earlier on All Aged Stakes day, leaving Jason Collett with a handy pick up ride.
“I’m glad to be back on him. He’s in great form,” Schofield said.
“He’s drawn his customary wide barrier, which isn’t a problem. He rolls forward so he’ll be prominent in the run.”
Le Romain was an $11 chance with the TAB on Friday alongside Godolphin’s Impending.
Redzel was the $2.25 favourite ahead of In Her Time at $3.60 in a field trimmed to 13 after the withdrawal of the Darren Weir-trained Lucky Hussler because of a foot abscess.
Schofield was suspended for careless riding on Manicure, his last ride at Randwick before injury intervened, so he enjoyed down time in Bali before returning to action.
He has a book of six rides at Doomben including the in-form Chris Waller-trained Queensland Derby-bound Higher Ground in the Group Three Rough Habit Plate (2000m).
