Chad Schofield draws inspiration from Learning To Fly’s Inglis Millennium conquest three years back, mastering a stern barrier to prevail.
Strong precedents support Chad Schofield’s conviction that Screen Idol, under John Thompson, remains viable from a wide post in the $2 million Inglis Millennium at Randwick.
Hailing among Sydney’s top jockeys, he has seized the race victory on two prior occasions, with Learning To Fly most recently from Screen Idol’s comparable wide draw.
“When I won on Learning To Fly, it drew wide (barrier 15 of 16) too,” Schofield said.
“This is a different type of filly. Learning To Fly sat last and rounded them up. This filly is a bit speedier, so we’ll see.”
Screen Idol, by Nicconi – sire to Nature Strip – upended expectations at debut odds to go down narrowly to Shiki in the Gimcrack Stakes (1000m).
Two recent trials signal her readiness for return, as Schofield, her long-term associate, reports solid strides forward.
“She’s going really well. She was unlucky not to win the Gimcrack. She covered ground that day and just kept finding the line,” he said.
“John tipped her out and she has come back a more mature, stronger filly. She’s got no favours from the barrier draw but she’ll be tough. She will be there late.”
For the Listed Lonhro Plate (1000m), Schofield rides Godolphin first-up Threads, buoyed by their trial partnerships.
Trained by Ciaron Maher, the colt Threads – initial runner from Group 3 scorer Tailleur – is eyed by Schofield for elite juvenile clashes.
“I think he’s a very talented two-year-old colt and it’s exciting to kick him off on Saturday,” he said.
“It’s a good start off race for him. He’s drawn well and I think he’s a horse that could race into the two-year-old features.”
A packed schedule of 10 rides awaits Schofield at Randwick, including Maher’s star filly Tempted in the Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m). Get in on the Inglis Millennium with the best betting markets for the race.
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