In-form apprentice Chad Schofield has never been aboard a Group One winner and can't wait for that first chance at Canterbury on Saturday.The 17-year-old apprentice will partner Galaxy winner Atomic Force in the Hylands Kids Colours For Christmas Handicap (1100m).Earlier this week Atomic Force missed out on an invitation to compete in next month's Hong Kong International Sprint.It was bad news for his connections but opened the door for Schofield to ride the Darren Smith-trained sprinter on Satu

In-form apprentice Chad Schofield has never been aboard a Group One winner and can't wait for that first chance at Canterbury on Saturday.

The 17-year-old apprentice will partner Galaxy winner Atomic Force in the Hylands Kids Colours For Christmas Handicap (1100m).

Earlier this week Atomic Force missed out on an invitation to compete in next month's Hong Kong International Sprint.

It was bad news for his connections but opened the door for Schofield to ride the Darren Smith-trained sprinter on Saturday.

Atomic Force would have been scratched and on a plane to Hong Kong on Sunday if the invitation had arrived.

"It will be the first time I've sat on a Group One winner and I'm looking forward to it," Schofield said.

"I watched him win the Galaxy with Timmy Clark on him earlier this year and that was on a bottomless track at Randwick.

"He'll get through the (heavy) ground tomorrow, he's the quality horse in the race and that's why he's got the 62 kilograms. I'll take three kilos off that with my claim and in my opinion he'll be very tough to beat."

Schofield was born to be a jockey being the son of top hoop Glyn Schofield.

His career has started to take off with 15 city wins to his name, including 12 this season which has him at the head of the Sydney apprentices' premiership.

The lightly-framed Schofield is aware that once he reaches 20 city winners his 3kg claim will be reduced which could impact on his opportunities.

But rather than worry, he is focused on continuing his upward spiral and will take the future as it comes.

"I'm delighted the way things are going," he said.

"For me the whole aim of the game is riding winners and I can't see why I should change anything."

Schofield is apprenticed to David Payne at Rosehill and although he hasn't ridden a Group One-winning horse, he has ridden the likes of Centennial Park and Master Of Design in trackwork.

Both Centennial Park and Master Of Design are Group Two winners and Group One placegetters and Schofield says he can feel the difference when he gets on a quality galloper.

"I'm really starting to get good rides and hopefully I can win on Atomic Force tomorrow and keep getting good opportunities," he said.

Atomic Force is one of six Canterbury rides for Schofield.