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By Julieanne Horsman

Patience is paying off for Mudgee trainer, Mack Griffith, as Schedule posted back-to-back wins with a dominant showing in the TAB Highway Handicap at Royal Randwick.

The $4.20 favourite jumped from barrier 11 and was forced to travel wide the entire trip. He was the second widest horse at the turn but it provided a clear path for the gelding who kicked away to win by almost two lengths from Dyfield and a fast-finishing Not For Export.

“We went in easy in the first part and built into a nice spot on the corner and he was too strong for them,” McEvoy said. “He is better than your normal Highway horse.”

The win made it a double for McEvoy who had saluted in the previous race on Richard Of Yorke.

“I am having a good run and it’s pleasing to be riding winners for a whole host on trainers,” he said. “When you’re winning you are getting called up and it builds confidence.”

Schedule was trained by Robert Hickmont in Victoria until the middle of last year when owner Lloyd Williams sold him to Mack Griffith.

“I originally had him in mind for the Country Championships but it came around too quickly for him this time,” Griffith said.

Despite being a five year-old, Schedule has only raced six times and has never finished worse than third.

“Lloyd was very patient with him and we’ve given him the time he needs as well,” Griffith said. “He was a bit highly strung.”

We’ve just been trying to pick races that suit him to give him every chance.”

In his previous start at Scone, Schedule was ultra-impressive, coming from near last to pinch victory at the line. The form from that race is strong with both the second (Nicobelle) and third (Cleeve Hill) placegetters having since won at Provincial level.

Miss the race? Watch a replay here.