Fresh off their Group 1 heroics in the Champions Mile with Ceolwulf, jockey Chad Schofield and trainer Joe Pride are aiming to keep the momentum going when they reunite for another major target — this time much closer to home.
The pair will combine with veteran sprinter Coal Crusher in Saturday’s The Hunter (1300m), where the gelding seeks to become the first multiple winner of the $1 million race, having claimed the 2022 edition with Tyler Schiller in the saddle.
Now an eight-year-old, Coal Crusher remains in competitive form, and for Schofield, there’s personal motivation behind this assignment.
His father, former jockey Glyn Schofield, partnered Coal Crusher to multiple early victories, but Chad himself is yet to land a win on the sprinter despite several close calls.
“Dad was riding him when he was a young horse coming through the grades,” Chad Schofield said.
“I think he had at least five or six wins for him.
“I haven’t won on him yet, but we ran second in the Sydney Stakes and fourth the other day, so I know the horse well.
“He has obviously been set for The Hunter and he races very well at that track so hopefully he can run a peak race on the weekend.”
The tough gelding has been competitive in all three runs this preparation, highlighted by his brave fourth behind Jimmysstar in the Russell Balding Stakes, where he worked hard from an unfavourable gate.
This time he draws barrier four, and although the field boasts depth, only one Group 1 winner — 2022 Caulfield Guineas winner Golden Mile — lines up, a fact Schofield hopes plays into their favour.
“He was incredibly brave up the straight against the A-graders and he drops back in class,” he said.
“He is just a good, honest, old horse and he tries his best every start.”
Schofield is particularly keen to secure a feature victory before commencing a one-month suspension stemming from his Champions Mile ride, with his return slated for December 17.
Punters can view bookmaker odds for Coal Crusher and The Hunter via the JHR bookmakers hub.