Chad Schofield learned in his first ride on consistent galloper Tycoonist a couple of weeks ago that he’s a horse that can be ridden in whatever way necessary to get the best result.
Jockey Chad Schofield (Pic: Grant Guy).
He hopes to put that knowledge to good use in Saturday’s Listed $140,000 Luskin Star Stakes (1300m) as the four-year-old attempts to post back-to-back wins for the first time in his career.
The in-form jockey, who claimed Listed wins in last week’s Wagga Cup and Takeover Target Stakes, said being acutely aware of where his main danger was proved the key to him taking out the Hawkesbury Rush (1100m) first-up.
“I thought it was a two horse race, Malkovich was the only horse that could possibly beat him,’’ Schofield said.
“After he jumped as well as he did with 54kg I didn’t want to be disappointing him and bringing him back.
“I’m glad I did what I did because I don’t think I would have caught Malkovich had I brought him back with cover.”
The TAB market for the Luskin Star suggests the feature sprint could be another two horse race with Tycoonist $4.60 second favourite behind boom sprinter Andermatt ($2.20).
Whether Andermatt is there or not, he was also an acceptor for the Ortensia Stakes over 1100m, Schofield said as strong as his mount’s win was first-up he felt there’s still upside.
“It was a pretty strong win on a heavy track first-up. I have no doubt he will keep improving into his prep,” he said.
“He’s a big strong horse and relaxes well in his races, he’s just a model of consistency.
“If he’s not winning he’s right there so he’s a lovely little racehorse. He’s going to be hard to hold out.”
Emerging filly I Am Me will chase four straight wins in the Listed $140,000 Coolmore Denise’s Joy Stakes (1100m) and Schofield is keen to have his first sit on the Ciaron Maher & David Eustace trained three-year-old.
She’s been well travelled this preparation with a first-up maiden win at Canberra followed by easy wins at Ballarat and Flemington.
“I‘ve studied her replays and she looks very impressive,’’ Schofield said.
“Her win at Canberra was dominant against lesser company and again she was dominant in her two wins in Melbourne.”
I Am Me, $3.40 with TAB on Friday, hasn’t raced on worse than a soft 6 in her six starts to date but Schofield said what he’s seen of her tell him she’s versatile and, of course, very talented.
“I know the connections have a high opinion of her and it’d be good for her to get a first bit of black type,’’ he said.
“We’ve got a nice draw, she can put herself up on the speed but she’s also shown if they go too quick she’s good at mowing them down late.”
Among his other rides at Scone is And We Danced, who has the blinkers on as she begins her second preparation for Chris Waller in the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Handicap (1300m).
She was runner-up in January at her first two starts for Waller and Schofield said looking at her recent trial she appears to have come back well.
“She’s a capable filly and I’m hoping for a good run fresh,’’ he said.
“I thought she trialled well the other day, she looked sharp and fresh and looked good to me.”
– Racing NSW
