Jockey Chad Schofield is confident that Green Moon can return to his best form in the 2014 Caulfield Cup this weekend.
Green Moon has the chance to deliver the Macedon Lodge team of Lloyd Williams back-to-back wins in the Caulfield Cup. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia
Green Moon returned to the races following his successful autumn campaign with a promising sixth in the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on September 13, but he produced one of the worst runs of his career when he beat home just a single runner in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on October 4.
Schofield told Racing Ahead that he is happy to put a line through the Turnbull Stakes performance of Green Moon, after the Montjeu entire was found with a few niggling issues after the run, and he is happy to be on such a talented horse in the Group 1 Caulfield Cup field.
“He is a very good horse and he has been for a number of years now,” Schofield said.
“I thought that his first-up run in the Makybe was enormous and his last start things never went his way and he pulled up with a few issues.
“The stable is confident that he has overcome those issues and we are really happy with the barrier that he has got.
“That will give us a few options.
“He has the ability, he has the will and if you put a line through his last start he is a chance.”
Schofield has not ridden since Underwood Stakes Day due to well publicised 32 meeting suspension for improper riding at Mornington on September 17 and the Group 1 winning hoop said that he was thrilled to be able to return to riding on one of the biggest days of the 2014 Spring Racing Carnival.
The young jockey said that he had plenty of time for personal reflection during his time away from the saddle and is desperately hoping he can stay out of the stewards’ room in the future.
“It has really dragged out and it is the longest month that I have experienced,” Schofield said.
“I am really happy to be back on Saturday for Caulfield Cup Day and I am really looking forward to getting back out there and competing on the biggest stage.
“Obviously I don’t want to be suspended for that period of time again.
“All jockeys get suspended and I am going to get suspended again, but a month is a long time this time of year and I just have to rectify the problem and make sure that never happens again.
“I have missed a lot of good rides, a lot of winners and it is not good to be sitting them on the couch watching them go around.
“Hopefully when I come back to riding on Saturday I can have a bit of luck and get a few early winners.”
Green Moon is currently available at 2014 Caulfield Cup odds of $34, while Bande ($8 into $7) and Brambles ($21 into $13) have been the best-backed runners this afternoon.
