Chad Schofield is counting on a good barrier and the early speed of Kujenga to give him a third Inglis Millennium win in four years, and second with trainer Annabel Neasham, on Saturday at Randwick.
Schofield was second in the $2 million restricted listed race last year behind Fully Lit with Rue De Royale, after winning in 2023 with the Neasham-trained Learning To Fly and in 2022 with Xtravagant Star for Tony and Calvin McEvoy.
This time he has picked up the ride on Kujenga from Englishman Harry Davies, who took the filly to victory on debut at Wyong’s The Lakes program over 1200m. Kujenga jumped well from gate six and led before holding on narrowly from Kris Lees-trained Damien.
She has drawn even better in gate two for the shorter trip in the Millennium but is still a $16 Sportsbet hope in an open affair.
Schofield welcomed the chance to link again with Neasham.
“Kujenga is a horse that’s done nothing wrong,” Schofield said.
“I thought she was impressive winning on debut. She’s drawn a perfect barrier, which is going to make it nice and easy for her, and a lot of the chances have drawn wide.
“I galloped her last Tuesday and she’s a lovely, straightforward filly who’s going to get a great run from the barrier.
“She showed great gate speed and railed very well, and kicked on the turn, so no doubt she’ll be up there and have a nice economical race.
“She’s a very quick filly, so if we wanted to lead, we probably could. But with two-year-olds, the main thing is to jump positively, then get them in the comfort zone.”
Neasham, who now trains in partnership with Rob Archibald, believed Kujenga was a better chance than her odds suggest.
“She’s got brilliant gate speed, which is often important, and she’s improved no end,” Neasham said.
“Her work was really good through the week. Her last couple bits of work have been great, so I would have thought she’s one of the main chances, even if she’s not in the market.
“She’s going super, and she’s straightforward, and makes her own luck up on speed. She doesn’t have to lead, but she’s got good gate speed and drawn to do no work, so she should be in a good spot.”
By Craig Kerry – Sydney Morning Herald