News

Schofield steers Houston Benefactor to overdue win

11th Aug 2011

Racenet - Nic Ashman - Wednesday, 10 August 2011

International Group I winning rider Glyn Schofield wasted no time in his return to the track steering Houston Benefactor to victory when the filly broke through to win the TJ's Champagne Bar Plate (1100m) at Canterbury on Wednesday.

The stakes placed filly had form around dual Group I winner Helmet last season and relished the drop back in grade to shirk her maiden tag at start number six.

"She did a good job, a very talented filly," trainer Anthony Cummings said.

"She'll go to the fillies series now."

The daughter of Encosta De Lago has had her share of issues with the starting gates in the past but has always displayed plenty of ability.

In the run Schofield had her positioned three back the fence after another average start. Coming to the turn the jockey guided the filly away from the rails to commence her run.

At the 200m, Houston Benefactor took over and she went on to record her maiden victory beating long-shot Gunners Babe and Ingham Magic.

"She jumped with them but jumped upwards, however, she gathered them in pretty easily and I ended up with a lovely run in the race," Schofield said.

"She probably came back underneath inside the last 100m but she loomed up like she was going to win so effortlessly, I had to give her a couple of cracks with the whip.

"In the end it was quite a soft win."

Schofield was returning from suspension and it only took the former South African two races to find the winners circle.

The market – The winner Houston Benefactor firmed from $2.50 to $2.35. The runner-up Gunners Babe eased from $41 to $61 while Ingham Magic drifted from $3.50 to $5.50. Outside the placegetters Star Of Helicon started second favourite despite easing from $4 to $4.60. The on-course market closed at 113 percent.

Houston Benefactor ($250,000 2010 Easter, 3f Encosta De Lago x Sovereign Duchess (IRE))