Barely four days after piloting Tempted to a surprise triumph over Ka Ying Rising in the world’s richest turf race, Chad Schofield was back at Warwick Farm, demonstrating his considerable skills once more.
Not one to rest on his achievements, the jockey who won the Everest secured an early treble on the Wednesday’s mid-week racing program. He began this winning streak aboard Prince Of Verona, trained by Annabel and Rob Archibald, in the Precise Air Handicap over 1400 metres.
“Got to keep going, I guess,” Schofield commented. “I only picked him up this morning with Zac (Lloyd) being ill, but he did really well. “It was a big step up from country grade, but he was well placed today by Annabel. He gave me a nice feel. Good win.”
Schofield then combined with trainer Joe Pride to win the Ole Kirk @ Vinery Stud Handicap (1000m) aboard Bruce I Am. The gelding surged from the rear of the field to snatch victory by a short neck from stablemate Confidentiality. The jockey’s successful run continued as he notched his third win aboard Amreekiyah, trained by Peter Snowden, in the Schweppes Handicap (1400m).
Snowden expressed his satisfaction with the in-form jockey in the saddle, indicating hopes that Amreekiyah could further her career with a potential trip to Melbourne.
“It’s the time to put them on when they’re hot, and he’s hot at the moment,” Snowden remarked about Schofield. “She’s a mare we’ve always thought, when she’s four and five, would come into her own. She was battered with wet tracks, and bad draws and unlucky races. “Hopefully this preparation she’s a much bigger, stronger version of herself and we have a bit of luck with her, and pick up a decent race. “There’s a race in Melbourne at the end of the carnival, but we’ll see how she pulls up from today.”
Schofield is heading to Melbourne slightly earlier, with confirmation this week that Ceolwulf will compete in Saturday’s Cox Plate (2040m) at Flemington. This follows the gelding’s determined second place finish behind Autumn Glow in the King Charles III Stakes (1600m).
Schofield has been the regular rider for Ceolwulf over the last couple of seasons and will be aiming for his second win in Australia’s premier weight-for-age race, having previously won it as an apprentice aboard Shamus Award in 2013. Pride confirmed that Ceolwulf had recovered well from his Saturday effort and would travel to Melbourne on Thursday. “I’m excited. I couldn’t be happier with him, and with that rain to arrive on Saturday, it will suit him,” Pride added.
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