Chad Schofield eyes Durban July success with King Pelles

Chad Schofield and Zac Lloyd, familiar faces in the Sydney jockeys' room, are set to compete against each other this weekend in South Africa's premier race, the Durban July.

The talented cousins will both be carrying the hopes of their respective stables in the prestigious 2200m handicap. Schofield is booked on King Pelles for trainer Gareth van Zyl, while Lloyd will ride Regulation for Justin Snaith.

"It will be kind of funny sitting with him in the rooms in South Africa," Schofield commented. "Obviously, we do it here every week, but to be over there together is sentimental."

Their participation in the Durban July is rooted in their family's racing heritage. Both riders are sons of former accomplished South African jockeys, Glyn Schofield and Jeff Lloyd, who subsequently established successful careers in Australia.

Having grown up in South Africa and with family still residing there, this trip holds personal significance for Chad Schofield. It will be his second attempt at the Durban July, having ridden The Conglomerate in the 2015 edition as an apprentice.

"My family came to Australia when I was about fourteen, and I have been back once, but it's going to be really cool to get back again," Schofield said. "I've got a gran and aunt there, so I'll be able to see them too. I used to go to that racecourse often when Dad was riding there. Even this particular race meeting, it's a big deal over there, and to be able to go back and be amongst it is pretty cool."

Schofield is expected to arrive in South Africa late on Thursday, with a track workout aboard King Pelles scheduled for Friday.

King Pelles, a proven stayer with a past victory over 3200m, is considered an outsider at double-figure odds for Saturday's 2200m Group 1 contest. Nevertheless, Schofield is optimistic, buoyed by feedback from King Pelles' trainer.

"He's a really good stayer. His form over the staying trips is the best in the country," Schofield noted. "He is running over a distance that looks to be too short for him, but I know the stable has freshened him right up and kept him as sharp as they could. It's a handicap, and he's got 59 (kilos). He is a 20-1 chance, but he's got the class."

King Pelles represents one of seven rides for Schofield at the 12-race Greyville meeting. Lloyd, fresh off his maiden Royal Ascot success during their June carnival, is slated for eight rides.

Both riders will be looking to surpass the achievements of their fathers, neither Glyn Schofield nor Jeff Lloyd having won the Durban July during their illustrious careers. The Durban July presents a fantastic opportunity to explore the available racing betting markets.