Jockey Chad Schofield’s black type mission on ‘under-rated mare’ Essonne in Listed Winter Stakes at Royal Randwick

Star jockey Chad Schofield’s form surge could coincide with a return to the winner’s list for under-rated mare Essonne in the Listed $200,000 Winter Stakes at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

Star jockey Chad Schofield’s form surge could coincide with a return to the winner’s list for under-rated mare Essonne in the Listed $200,000 Winter Stakes at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

Schofield rode a brace of winners at Rosehill last weekend including the McKell Cup on the impressive Golden Path.

Although Essonne is one of the outsiders at $18 in latest TAB Fixed Odds betting for the feature Randwick sprint, Schofield is optimistic she can snap a winless streak that has stretched nearly 14 months.

“Essonne is an under-rated mare who is capable of winning a good race like this,’’ Schofield said.

“I won a Listed race (Silk Stocking) on her at the Sunshine Coast last year and she was very, very impressive that day.

“She sat a long way back and crunched them the last 300m. She possesses a good finish to her races.’’

WINNER! ESSONNE takes out the Listed Silk Stocking at the Sunshine Coast. Many congratulations to her owner Mr Harvey, jockey @SchofieldChad and of course, our wonderful girl ESSONNE 🏇💨💨💨 We are absolutely delighted 😍 pic.twitter.com/46DOxbwmGu

— Litt Racing (@littracing) May 6, 2023

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ssonne, trained by Richard Litt, indicated a return to winning form was imminent with her fast finishing last-star third behind Diamond Diesel in the Civic Stakes.

It was significant that Essonne got through the heavy conditions at Warwick Farm which gives Schofield confidence she will handle similar going at Randwick.

“Essone is a very competitive horse who goes on all ground,’’ Schofield said.

“She gets through it (heavy) but to me the key is she has drawn another good gate which helps her a lot.

“It was encouraging to see a return to form from her last start and a bit more black type would be very valuable.’’

"Here's Diesel with a big run, oh what a campaign he's having."

Andrew Adkins brings Diamond Diesel with a well timed run to score an easy win in the Listed Civic Stakes at Warwick Farm for trainer @adugganracing. Estadio Mestalla and Essonne filled the placings. @tabcomaupic.twitter.com/tW8abxCLLQ

— Racing NSW (@racing_nsw) June 26, 2024

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Schofield has a busy day at Randwick with nine rides on the 10-race program beginning in the opener with first starter Carnegie Hill ($7) in the Petaluma Handicap for two-year-olds over 1100m.

Trained by Michael Freedman, Carnegie Hill is a son of super sire I Am Invincible. He was purchased for $400,000 at the Magic Millions Yearling Sale last year.

Schofield has ridden Carnegie Hill in both recent barrier trials including a win at Randwick over 1050m last month.

“Carnegie Hill’s first trial was good, then the second was pretty impressive,’’ Schofield said.

“He will improve off that trial again. He’s a big, strong colt with a good action – he’s exciting.’’

2YO colt Carnegie Hill (I Am Invincible @yarramanpark x Aquamosa) produced a smart trial win in Heat 5 @aus_turf_club Randwick 🙌

T: @MFreedmanRacing
J: @SchofieldChad
Br: Gall Bloodstock
S: $400k @mmsnippets GC buy for @mitchellbstock from Yarraman Park Stud. pic.twitter.com/fgkEPKFEo6

— TTR AusNZ (@TTRAusNZ) June 14, 2024

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Schofield rated one of best Randwick rides as the John Thompson-trained With Your Blessing ($10) in the Catanach’s Jewellers Handicap (1200m).

With Your Blessing has been unplaced in two stakes races since resuming but then looked good winning a barrier trial last week.

“He’s a very good wet-tracker and he’s been running well without much luck,’’ Schofield said of With Your Blessing.

“The blinkers are reapplied on Saturday. He had a little trial with them last Friday and he flew. I reckon he is ready to peak.’’

Schofield has linked successfully with Victorian trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Junior in recent weeks, most notably with two wins on the promising Golden Path including last week’s Listed McKell Cup.

"That's a big win Golden Path."

Easy work for @SchofieldChad on the emerging @MickPriceRacing gelding in the Listed McKell Cup at Rosehill. Touristic arrived in time for second with Lord Ardmore in third. @tabcomaupic.twitter.com/VN7RakleEt

— Racing NSW (@racing_nsw) June 29, 2024

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The jockey combines with the stable again on Loco ($11) in the Task Handicap (2000m).

Loco has been ridden by Schofield in two recent Sydney starts, finishing just behind the placegetters at Warwick Farm and then Canterbury, but the gelding is getting out to his preferred distance range at Randwick.

“I’ve ridden Loco twice now and he strikes me as a horse who is going to really appreciate the bigger track,’’ Schofield said.

“Obviously, he’s a Melbourne horse who has been struggling to quicken around the bends on those smaller tracks in Sydney.

“I’m sure he will be more comfortable on a bigger circuit like Randwick, he stays well and gets through the mud, too. I’m expecting an improved run from him.’’

Originally published as Jockey Chad Schofield’s black type mission on ‘under-rated mare’ Essonne in Listed Winter Stakes at Royal Randwick