Glyn Schofield walked away from Randwick with a winning double at big prices on Saturday, but the returns on Libran and Alizee won't be as big for punters should the pair repeat their victories in the Flight Stakes and Metropolitan respectively.
Alizee and Libran vaulted to favouritism for the two group 1s with commanding performances. There was no surprise in Alizee's win in the Tea Rose Stakes for Godolphin or Schofield, despite her double-figure quote, and she will be top market for the Flight Stakes. While Libran is the Metropolitan favourite after he relished a return to firm going in the Kingston Town Stakes.
"Alizee just relaxed and did what we were expecting from her. She has always had that group potential about her but it is about harnessing that and that's what happened in the Tea Rose," Schofield said.
"She has a great turn of foot, even when I rode her to win her maiden at Warwick Farm at the start of the prep but there was a lot of nervous energy there back then.
"She was much more relaxed the other day and that allowed her to show off her turn of foot, so all goes well for the mile in the Flight Stakes."
Libran returned to the winner's circle for the first time in more than a year in the Kingston Town Stakes, showing bit of a dash at the 2000m that was a little surprising.
Schofield said the 2400m of the Metropolitan will be a different test, but is confident that Libran can again be in the finish.
"He really isn't that happy on wet tracks and the ones we rode on in the autumn were some of the wettest I have ridden on in my career," Schofield said.
"He showed a glimpse of the speed in his legs at the mile first-up and then last start had a real turn of foot and is only going to improve.
"He is proven at the 2400m trip. You have to remember he did run second in a Sydney Cup a couple of years ago, and even though this trip will suit a few more of the stayers he is the one they have to beat."
Schofield hasn't picked up an Epsom ride on Saturday yet but will ride Ball Of Muscle in Friday night's Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley.
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