Schofield’s success was his first since the Geelong meeting on December 7 that saw him fracture two vertebrae during a fall from Classic Charm.

The youngster saluted with his first ride of the day on Clinton McDonald first-starter Star Fortune in the URMG Security 3YO Maiden Plate, 1200m, before landing the race-to-race double on emerging Robbie Griffiths-trained stayer Gilago, who thrashed her rivals in the City of Ballarat BM70 Handicap, 2200m.

Gilago was perhaps the most impressive winner on the seven-race card, streaking away from the field to land a third-successive victory.

“Obviously she ran in the Oaks in Adelaide and she ran really well, so she’s a nice staying mare now and has got three in-a-row so hopefully she can put a few together,” Schofield said.

Gilago’s recent wins have come at 0-58, 0-64 and now 0-70 levels, with the stable suggesting there are big things down the track.

Griffiths stable manager Don Healy said Gilago would continue to progress through her classes and would likely be aimed at the city in the short-term future.

“The summer is our time. I know the boss (Griffiths) doesn’t like saying that, but it’s true,” Healy said.

“Robbie spends lots of time and effort on – even at the moment – looking at yearlings and next year’s crop.”

It was a day of doubles, with Griffiths completing the feat in the last race of the day with Zadon, which also made it two wins for jockey Ben Melham, who had earlier saluted on Hefner for trainer Jason Warren.

Earlier in the day, Warrnambool-based trainer Jim Madden landed his first win in more than three-and-a-half years when Siddle’s Birthday won the Racing.com Maiden Plate, 1200m.

Madden is the horse’s fourth trainer in a career spanning 18 starts.