Just four days after guiding Tempted to a surprise win over Ka Ying Rising in the world’s richest turf race, jockey Chad Schofield was back at Warwick Farm, demonstrating his prowess.
Not content to rest on his achievements, the jockey who conquered The Everest secured an early treble during Wednesday’s mid-week racing program. His winning streak commenced aboard Prince Of Verona, trained by Annabel and Rob Archibald, in the Precise Air Handicap (1400m).
“Got to keep going, I guess,” Schofield remarked. “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 teamed up with trainer Joe Pride to take out the Ole Kirk @ Vinery Stud Handicap (1000m) on Bruce I Am. The gelding came from off the pace to narrowly defeat stablemate Confidentiality by a short neck. He completed his successful day aboard the Peter Snowden-trained Amreekiyah in the Schweppes Handicap (1400m).
Snowden was pleased to have the in-form rider on board and expressed optimism about Amreekiyah’s potential for a trip to Melbourne.
“It’s the time to put them on when they’re hot, and he’s hot at the moment,” Snowden stated regarding 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’s trip to Melbourne is confirmed for slightly earlier this week, with Ceolwulf set to compete in Saturday’s Cox Plate (2040m) at Flemington. This follows the gelding’s strong second placing behind Autumn Glow in the King Charles III Stakes (1600m).
The gelding has been Schofield’s regular mount for the past two seasons, and he aims for his second victory in Australia’s premier weight-for-age contest, having won it previously as an apprentice on Shamus Award in 2013. Pride confirmed that Ceolwulf had recovered well from his Saturday run and would make the journey 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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