Chad Schofield To Be A Force At Canterbury

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In-form apprentice Chad Schofield has never been aboard a Group One winner and can't wait for that first chance at Canterbury on Saturday.

The 17-year-old apprentice will partner Galaxy winner Atomic Force in the Hylands Kids Colours For Christmas Handicap (1100m).

Earlier this week Atomic Force missed out on an invitation to compete in next month's Hong Kong International Sprint.

It was bad news for his connections but opened the door for Schofield to ride the Darren Smith-trained sprinter on Saturday.

Atomic Force would have been scratched and on a plane to Hong Kong on Sunday if the invitation had arrived.

"It will be the first time I've sat on a Group One winner and I'm looking forward to it," Schofield said.

"I watched him win the Galaxy with Timmy Clark on him earlier this year and that was on a bottomless track at Randwick.

"He'll get through the (heavy) ground tomorrow, he's the quality horse in the race and that's why he's got the 62 kilograms. I'll take three kilos off that with my claim and in my opinion he'll be very tough to beat."

Schofield was born to be a jockey being the son of top hoop Glyn Schofield.

His career has started to take off with 15 city wins to his name, including 12 this season which has him at the head of the Sydney apprentices' premiership.

The lightly-framed Schofield is aware that once he reaches 20 city winners his 3kg claim will be reduced which could impact on his opportunities.

But rather than worry, he is focused on continuing his upward spiral and will take the future as it comes.

"I'm delighted the way things are going," he said.

"For me the whole aim of the game is riding winners and I can't see why I should change anything."

Schofield is apprenticed to David Payne at Rosehill and although he hasn't ridden a Group One-winning horse, he has ridden the likes of Centennial Park and Master Of Design in trackwork.

Both Centennial Park and Master Of Design are Group Two winners and Group One placegetters and Schofield says he can feel the difference when he gets on a quality galloper.

"I'm really starting to get good rides and hopefully I can win on Atomic Force tomorrow and keep getting good opportunities," he said.

Atomic Force is one of six Canterbury rides for Schofield.

Canterbury Track Rated Heavy

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Officials are confident Saturday's Canterbury meeting will not suffer the same fate as a number of other NSW meetings this week.

The Canterbury track has been hit with 73mm of rain in recent days and remained a Heavy (9) late on Friday but safe for racing.

Lindsay Murphy, general manager of racecourses for the Australian Turf Club, said stewards would only be called in to inspect the surface early on Saturday if there was a significant downpour on Friday night.

"Everything is fine at the moment, it's a heavy nine," Murphy said.

"There's not a worry about the meeting going ahead unless we get a heap of rain tonight. As it stands everything is good and I think most of the rain has kept going to the north and missed us."

Friday's Wagga meeting was called off in the morning due to wet weather and state of the track.

Saturday's Scone meeting was also abandoned on Friday due to continuing heavy rain with more than 125mm hitting the course in the NSW Hunter Valley.

Wednesday's ATC fixture at Hawkesbury was abandoned because of the weather while Wyong's Thursday program also had to be postponed.

A meeting set down for Friday at Orange in country NSW was transferred to Monday.

With a heavy track for the Canterbury meeting, there has already been 16 scratchings across the eight races.

In the feature event, the Listed Frank Underwood Cup, one of the early favourites Miss Keepsake was withdrawn on Friday along with the Gai Waterhouse-trained Teardrop Rock.

Brown To Strike Back At Canterbury

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A month-long absence from the winner's list has Corey Brown looking to reignite his Sydney season at Canterbury on Saturday.

The 2001-02 Sydney premier jockey and title runner-up four times, Brown has not ridden a city winner for a month.

Corey BrownCorey BrownPart of that time was spent on the sidelines through a careless riding suspension incurred aboard Lucas Cranach in the Melbourne Cup.

Brown will head to Mauritius next week to compete in a two-day international jockeys' challenge but hopes to strike form before he departs with a strong book of seven rides at Canterbury.

"I've been having a bit of a lean trot to be honest," Brown said.

"I was riding good up until the spring and I've been putting them in all the right spots but they haven't been finishing off for me.

"Hopefully I can turn that around on Saturday. I would have loved to have ridden at Hawkesbury (on Wednesday) just to try to ride myself back into some good form and start getting on some good horses but the races were called off."

Yulalona, equal favourite for the Listed Frank Underwood Cup (1900m), is one of Brown's leading chances and he'll also partner stakes winner Latin News in a strong Hyland Kids Colours For Christmas Handicap (1100m).

"Hopefully Saturday is a turning point," Brown said.

"Because on paper my rides look pretty good."

Brown, with 19 Sydney winners, is five behind premiership pacesetter Kerrin McEvoy but can chip away at that deficit with both McEvoy and Jim Cassidy (24 wins) out suspended.

Yulalona won the Listed Dulcify Quality (1800m) last season in Brown's only ride on the son of Dubai Destination.

"I know it's bad luck for Kerrin (McEvoy) but I'm lucky to often be in the right place at the right time for Peter Snowden when Kerrin is out," Brown said.

"I'm really happy to get back on this horse on Saturday."

Brown rode Latin News to an impressive debut win at Canterbury back in 2009 when he was trained by Bart Cummings but hasn't been on him since.

An $8.50 chance on TAB Sportsbet in a field which includes Group One winner Atomic Force, Latin News ran an encouraging second at his first start for David Payne last month at Rosehill.

Brown is also looking forward to partnering the Payne-trained debutant Honorius in the Australian Turf Club Handicap (1100m).

"I trialled him on Tuesday and his trial was very good," Brown said.

"I didn't do much on him knowing that he was going to back up on Saturday but I was really happy with the way he trialled.

"He finished second but still had plenty in hand.

"I'm really looking forward to riding him."

Picture: Fiona Tomlin

Ritchie Sticks Solid With Billing

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Solid Billing might be the Frank Underwood Cup outsider but Craig Ritchie believes his stable flag bearer is preparing as well as ever for another shot at Sydney's summer staying features.

The winner of the 2009 Group Three Summer Cup, Solid Billing takes another step towards next month's Summer Cup (2400m) when he runs in Saturday's Listed Frank Underwood Cup (1900m) at Canterbury.

A Sydney Cup (3200m) third placegetter in April, Solid Billing has come in among the tailenders in two starts this campaign, including the Hawkesbury Cup (1600m).

But that hasn't dented his trainer's summer hopes.

"I'm very happy with the way he is coming up," Ritchie said.

"That's normally how I bring him up. He needs to be match fit when he steps up in ground because of his style of racing out in front in the staying races.

"I was never expecting him to be competitive in those first two runs over the shorter distances but he's getting closer now.

"I never really thought he would be very competitive in this race either but now with all the rain around it's brought him into it a bit more."

Canterbury remained in the heavy range on Friday after 70mm of rainfall this week including 8mm overnight.

"It's not so much that he likes the wet, it's just that it turns into more of a staying event which gives him a better chance," the trainer said, with Solid Billing at $41 on TAB Sportsbet.

The Listed Christmas Cup (2400m) on December 10 and the Summer Cup on Boxing Day, both at Rosehill, are the stayer's immediate goals.

Ritchie will then space his runs with a view to next year's Adelaide and Sydney Cups.

Solid Billing is one of 10 horses Ritchie has in work having relocated to Warwick Farm from New Zealand in July.

Ritchie first brought Solid Billing to Sydney two years ago when the gelding scored by 1-1/2-lengths in the Summer Cup with Jim Cassidy aboard.

"Jim Cassidy rode him (Solid Billing) for me at the Randwick trials recently and said he feels as good as ever and I agree with him," Ritchie said.

"Jay Ford has ridden him in a trial and in the Hawkesbury Cup last start and I'm happy that he gets the gist of how the horse needs to be ridden.

"Jay was happy with his Hawkesbury Cup run, as was I.

"With the pace they were going to run that race and the style of track it was never going to suit him. But when he gets to 2400 metres and further, that's ideal for him."

Yulalona is the $4.80 favourite just ahead of Zara Dancer at $5.

Miss Keepsake was joint favourite in early betting but was scratched on Friday afternoon as she is not at her best in wet ground.

The Gai Waterhouse-trained Teardrop Rock has also been scratched.

Legsman Heads O'Shea's Assault

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John O'Shea hopes to strike while the iron is hot with his three runners at Canterbury, headed by Legsman in the Listed Frank Underwood Cup.

The Randwick trainer has been in a purple patch of form this month with four winners at the past two Saturday meetings in town.

He landed a treble at Rosehill a fortnight ago via Faustus, Colorado Claire and Lightinthenite before producing Hendricus for a last gasp victory at Warwick Farm on Saturday.

"It's been good. I've worked very hard to acquire nice horses over the past couple of years and been very patient with them," O'Shea said.

"It's starting to pay some dividends."

TAB Sportsbet has priced Legsman at $8.50 for the Frank Underwood Cup (1900m) and he comes into the feature off the back of a third-up fifth to Strike One.

He will be ridden by apprentice Josh Adams and O'Shea believes his charge is well weighted with 54.5kg.

Only three of the 13 acceptors are above the 53kg minimum with the others being topweight Solid Billing (57kg) and Strike One (56.5kg).

"He comes in very well at the weights," O'Shea said.

"Due to the congestion I think it will be very difficult for the horses on the minimum.

"He's got a good record at Canterbury. I'd probably like to have seen him draw out more but his gate speed is quite good."

Legsman has been placed on heavy ground and boasts a superior record on slow tracks, highlighted by his victory over Group winner Tullamore in the Winter Cup in June.

Like many of the Frank Underwood hopefuls, Legsman is being aimed at the Listed Christmas Cup on December 10 and Summer Cup on Boxing Day, both over 2400m at Rosehill.

O'Shea's other runners include unraced youngster Don't Blink, a half-sister to 2006 Maribyrnong Plate winner Husson Lightning.

The Redoute's Choice filly has won her only two barrier trials and O'Shea says she is a ready-made juvenile.

"She's a classic sort of two-year-old," he said.

"She is very genuine and she's a jump-and-run horse."

Tigress Lily will also fly the stable's flag in the Canterbury BMW-Driving Strong Relationships Handicap (1550m).

She has been unplaced in three runs from a spell but O'Shea predicts an improved showing.

"She was interfered with last start at Canterbury and nearly fell at the 600," O'Shea said.

"I'm looking for a performance on Saturday that will put her back in vogue."

Police Arrests Over Trots Scandal

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Police have arrested and charged three men as part of their investigation into allegations of corruption in the harness racing industry.

The arrests come just two days before NSW harness racing's biggest event, the Miracle Mile at Menangle on Saturday night.

NSW Police released a statement on Thursday confirming a 48-year-old man from Leura had been charged with 34 counts of receiving the benefits of corruption.

He appeared in Lithgow Court on Thursday and was granted conditional bail to appear at Downing Centre Local Court on December 8.

A 45-year-old Woonona man was charged with eight counts of corruptly giving or offering a benefit.

The man was granted conditional bail and is due to appear in Wollongong court on December 20.

The third man arrested, a 24-year-old from Plumpton, was charged with 10 counts of giving or offering a benefit.

He is due to appear in Bankstown Local Court on December 14.

The harness industry was rocked in August when two stewards resigned amid allegations some stewards were not ordering swabs from certain horses in certain races and the knowledge of other participants of the practice.

Police established Strike Force Tairora to investigate the reports and Thursday's arrests came as a result of their investigations, which are continuing.

It is believed further arrests are likely.

Harness Racing NSW (HRNSW) also set up its own inquiry, establishing a three-man panel in September to investigate the allegations.

Ray Murrihy, chief steward of thoroughbred racing in NSW, was appointed to the special panel earlier this month, replacing chief harness racing steward Reid Sanders to remove any perception of bias.

HRNSW's Dale Walker said the panel's inquiries into the allegations were ongoing.

"Harness Racing NSW is investigating allegations of corruption in the industry and the special stewards panel are currently interviewing persons of interest," Walker said.

HRNSW also issued a statement on Thursday confirming premier reinsman Greg Bennett had been stood down from driving indefinitely.

They cited Australian Harness Racing Rule 183 which states a driver may be directed not to drive or take part in a race "pending the outcome of an inquiry, investigation or objection, or where a person has been charged with an offence".

Bennett was to have driven Karloo Mick in the Miracle Mile but has been replaced by Robbie Morris.

Harness officials said they were unable to comment further.

AAP

Weather Key To Lass

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Having recently been caught out by a quick drying track, trainer Wayne Carroll is loathe to make an early call on where Lycra Lass will run this weekend.

The talented mare has been accepted for both the Canterbury BMW-Driving Strong Relationships Handicap (1550m) in Sydney on Saturday and a 1200m race at Canberra a day later.

Carroll, who trains a dozen horses at Wagga in the state's south, said he would make a final decision on Saturday morning.

"In the spring and summer the tracks can dry out very quickly," he said.

"I got caught the other week. The track was a heavy ten a couple of days before the race and I told the owners of one of my horses we'd scratch him because he didn't handle wet tracks.

"Two days later it was a good three."

Carroll said the Canterbury race was his preferred option and while Lycra Lass handled rain-affected ground he was wary of running if the track remained in its current heavy range.

"Being second-up it does concern me," Carroll said.

"If it's slow that would be okay to go to town but if it's a heavy nine or ten that's pretty bottomless.

"I don't want to tax her too much because we've got some other runs in mind."

Lycra Lass has been a bonny mare for Carroll and won the Queen Of The South on her home track during the Wagga Cup carnival earlier this year.

She claimed her first city victory over 1550m at Canterbury in June and in her only run since was a first-up fourth to My Destiny over 1300m at Rosehill on November 12.

"She loomed up and just got tired the last 100 or 150 metres," Carroll said.

"She ran very well. I was really happy with the run and she's trained on very well since."

Lycra Lass will meet a handy field at Canterbury headed by last start winner Oakfield Beauty and the Group placed Savannah's Choice.

Orange Races Postponed Until Monday

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Race fans in the NSW country town of Orange will have to wait an extra three days to see top Sydney riders Nash Rawiller and Hugh Bowman in action.

Sydney premiership winners Bowman and Rawiller were set to compete at Friday's Orange meeting but wet weather has forced the meeting to be postponed.

The nine-race program is now set down for Monday with Bowman booked for seven rides and Rawiller three.

Norbert Ready For Wagga Outing

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Corowa trainer Rick Freyer is hopeful new stable acquisition Norbert can kick off on a winning note at the Mates Day Out meeting at Wagga on Friday.

The former north coast trained four-year-old makes his debut for Freyer in the Cottontails On The Ridge Class 2 Hcp (1200m).

Freyer races the son of Hidden Dragon with his mother, Jenny Forrest and father-in-law Ian Forrest.

"A trackwork rider friend of mine told me about the horse and we ended up buying him unsighted," Freyer said.

"He arrived early October and when I first saw him after he got off the float I was thrilled.

"He has great length and size, just the sort of horse we were looking for."

Norbert won two races as a two-year-old under Port Macquarie's Alan Hayden after finishing runner-up on his home track on debut on May 13 last year.

Subsequently, the gelding was unplaced in three starts.

"Apparently he was a horse that thought a lot," Freyer said.

"We've just changed things around since he's arrived and I couldn't be happier with him.

"We've restricted his work, just a lot of light stuff, trotting, light cantering and long walks.

"He's responding.

"The horse has shown ability right from day one.

"He's doing everything asked of him. He hasn't missed a beat."

Norbert resumed from a 238-day spell under Hayden finishing a moderate 7-1/4 lengths sixth to the Jenny Graham-trained Ripthis over 1000m at Port Macquarie on October 7 and hasn't raced since.

Freyer trialled the gelding at Wangaratta on Monday with race jockey Nick Souquet in the saddle.

Norbert finished third over 900m.

"He went lovely in the trial, just what we wanted and going the Victorian way (ant-clockwise) for the first time," Freyer said.

"Nick got off and said he was very happy. He likes him.

"It was the perfect hit out to have him right to start over 1200 metres.

"Backing him up quickly isn't a problem.

"We're expecting him to run very well."

Conners Believes In Robl's Fitness

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Clarry Conners believes Peter Robl will take little time to hit form in his return from a year-long ban and hopes it happens as soon as his first ride back.

Conners has thrown 40-year-old Robl straight into the city spotlight on two-year-old Diamond Start in the opening race at Canterbury on Saturday.

And the four-time Golden Slipper-winning trainer is confident Robl will make the right moves on the filly regardless of where the youngster finishes in the Australian Turf Club Handicap (1100m).

"It's not a big field and she's an on-pace runner that does nothing wrong," Conners said.

"Peter has ridden her a few times on the track of a morning and knows her. I think it will come back to him pretty quickly."

Robl was disqualified for a total of 12 months for betting on races through the TAB account of his wife and also giving false evidence at an initial inquiry last year.

Fellow rider Blake Shinn has also served a 12-month disqualification for his betting activities but complications with a leg injury sustained in a Melbourne Cup day fall last year have delayed his return.

Robl returned to trackwork at the start of last month and has been riding barrier trials in recent weeks ahead of his Canterbury comeback where he has two rides.

He also has five rides at Canberra on Sunday.

Conners has made sure Robl has been kept busy at trackwork to be ready for Saturday.

"He's not heavy and he looks fit," Conners said.

Lonhro filly Diamond Start is on the fourth line of TAB Sportsbet betting at $13 and is one of only two with race experience in Saturday's event.

Canterbury was rated heavy on Thursday and Conners got to test the filly in trackwork earlier this week.

"We had the grass track on Tuesday morning and she handled the wet pretty good," Conners said.

"Peter rode her and said she worked well and that she handled it, so that might be the case.

"She's only a lightly-framed filly and sometimes those horses can get through it."

Conners has been a long time Robl supporter and the jockey would love to notch his first winner since the ban for the Warwick Farm horseman.

"It would be an outstanding result if that could happen," Robl said.

"He was the bloke that got me to come to Sydney four years ago, so it's a privilege and an honour to have my first ride back for Clarry after the 12 months.

"And if it was to win, words can't describe the satisfaction we'd all get out of that."

AAP TURF

Canterbury Return For Keen Commander

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Fledgling trainer Jarrod Austin wasn't sure the day would ever come when he would have the chance to take stable favourite Keen Commander back to the races.

But his wait is almost over with Keen Commander to make his return from injury in the Hylands Kids Colours For Christmas Handicap (1100m) at Canterbury on Saturday.

For seven years Austin worked as stable foreman to Denise McGrath and Keen Commander was the flagship horse for much of that time.

Austin knows just about all there is to know about the Group One-placed sprinter and earlier this year, he took over the training of McGrath's team when she decided to take a step back to concentrate on another project.

He has made a good start with five wins from 12 runners and can't wait to saddle up eight-year-old Keen Commander on Saturday.

"It's been a long road and there have been a few anxious and nervous moments to see if we could get him back," Austin said.

"He had an operation on a fetlock joint. He had to have a bone chip removed out of the joint.

"We were not real sure whether we were going to get him back to the races but everything has gone well so far."

The winner of eight of his 34 starts and close to $650,000 prizemoney, Keen Commander hasn't started since The Galaxy (1100m) in April when he finished ninth.

Three years earlier he was narrowly beaten in the same Group One contest.

Keen Commander won the Magic Millions Sprint (1000m) at the Gold Coast in 2009 and Austin plans to take the gelding back there in January via the Carrington Stakes at Warwick Farm.

Austin has seen the right signs to suggest Keen Commander is ready to run a big race on Saturday despite the strength of the opposition which includes Atomic Force, News Alert and Latin News.

"He's been a great horse for the stable and he knows he's the boss around here," Austin said.

"He's a bit of a show-off and you tend to know when he's right. The more arrogant and playful he becomes the closer you know you are to having him back to his best.

"It's been a long road, but I'm pretty happy with him."

Apprentice Shaun Guymer combined with Austin for their first city wins with Yonderstar at the end of July.

He has two wins from three rides in town for Austin and partners Keen Commander for the first time.

"We've had a bit of luck so far and hopefully that continues," Austin said.

Picture: Sportpix