Chad on track for treble

Jockey Chad Schofield is chasing a hat-trick of wins in the $2m Inglis Millennium (1100m) when he partners promising Rue De Royale at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

Schofield has made the rich two-year-old race his own with wins on Xtravagant Star (2022) and Learning To Fly (2023).

“I’ve had a bit of luck in this race and I believe I’m on another very good chance in Rue De Royale,’’ he said.

The colt is going first-up into the Inglis Millennium after a two-start spring campaign where he ran fourth at Moonee Valley before a very good second behind boom two-year-old Shangri La Express in the Golden Gift.

Schofield rode him in the Golden Gift and said the colt’s effort to come from near last on the turn and finish just over a length behind Shangri La Express was full of merit.

“He drew an inside barrier and was a touch slow away, he didn’t step the best, there was a lot of pressure early and he got squeezed out a bit,’’ he said.

“But he certainly hit the line really well when ridden with a sit. He gave me a terrific feel that last furlong (200m).’’

In early TAB Fixed Odds betting for the Inglis Millennium, Rue De Royale is on the third line of betting at $7.50 behind $3.20 favourite Fully Lit and Odinson $4.80.

Schofield said the barrier draw would suit his mount.

“I think it is a perfect barrier,’’ the jockey said.

“With the draw, considering where the pace in the race is and this horse’s pattern, it sets up quite nicely for us.

“(Trainers) Tony and Calvin (McEvoy) gave the horse a bit of time after the Golden Gift and from all reports the colt is doing really well.”