Chad Schofield’s Hong Kong campaign will commence with a renewed association with Rattan (NZ) (Savabeel) in the Class 1 HKSAR Chief Executive’s Cup Handicap (1200m), and the talented rider is eyeing another personal best, following his season-high 43 wins last term.
“I just have to keep raising the bar, I need to work on getting more support and I’m confident that if the support comes I know that I can keep lifting,” Schofield said.
Rattan trialled under Schofield over 1000m, rolling down the straight into fourth alongside Perfect Match (Not A Single Doubt).
“I thought his trial this morning was encouraging and he’s going to have the blinkers on next week, so let’s hope he can bring back some of his old form,” Schofield said.
The seven-year-old’s last win came with Schofield in the plate, the pair combining for a Group Two success in the 2019 Sprint Cup (1200m). However, since then he has been winless, with his best finish a second-place to Beat The Clock (Hinchinbrook) in the 2019 Gr.1 Chairman’s Sprint Prize (1200m).
“He’s going well, he’s an older horse now, so he’s a lot quieter but he feels really good and well within himself,” Schofield said.
“He’s a lot more mentally laid back, he used to really pump himself up before now he’s pretty casual and hopefully that’s a good thing heading into longer distances later in the season,” he said.
