Boban ride open for Schofield in George Ryder Stakes

Leading Sydney trainer Chris Waller will leave the ride on Boban in the Group 1 $1m George Ryder Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill on Saturday open for Glyn Schofield who is in Singapore visiting his sick son-in-law Nathan Berry.

Glyn Schofield and Boban combine to win the G1 Chipping Norton Stakes.

Glyn Schofield and Boban combine to win the G1 Chipping Norton Stakes. Photo by Steve Hart.

Schofield along with Nathan Berry’s twin brother Tommy, flew out to Singapore last Friday to be with the young jockey who fell ill earlier in the week when he collapsed at track work at Kranji race track on Tuesday morning.

Schofield and Tommy Berry joined Schofield’s daughter and Nathan’s new wife Whitney and the Berry boys’ mum at Nathan’s bedside to be with him as he recovers from viral encephalitis.

Waller said that he would hold the ride on Boban open as long as he can to give Schofield a chance to return to Sydney for Saturday to partner the multiple Group 1 winner.

“Boban is definitely Glyn’s ride and if I have to keep it open until the last minute I will,” Waller told AAP.

Schofield has an impeccable record on the four year old with the pair combining for a perfect six wins from six outings together, including three at Group 1 level.

Boban went through the Spring undefeated with five wins from five starts and included wins in the Group 1 $500,000 The Star Epsom (1600m) at Randwick and the Group 1 $1m Emirates Stakes (1600m) at Flemington.

But the Bernadini gelding returned from a spell with two unplaced runs while Schofield was on the sidelines through suspension.

Nash Rawiller substituted for Schofield when Boban was beaten three lengths when fifth as favourite to Appearance in the Group 2 $200,000 SCSI Expressway Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on February 8.

Boban disappointed again with Rawiller when fourth to the same mare in the Group 2 $250,000 Schweppes Apollo Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on February 22.

But with the old team back together again, Boban with Schofield aboard was able to overhaul the short priced favourite It’s A Dundeel to win the Group 1 $500,000 Chipping Norton Stakes (1600m) at Warwick Farm on March 8.

Boban is currently the second favourite at $3.70 for the George Ryder Stakes with Ladbrokes.com.au behind stablemate Red Tracer who heads the betting at $3.50.

Sacred Falls, also from the Waller stable, and Kiwi three year old El Roca are next in line at $7.50 ahead of the Bart And James Cummings trained Eurozone at $11 while last start Liverpool City Cup winner Terravista and the Guy Walter trained Toydini share the next line of betting at $14.

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.