(Rod Gallegos is a senior commentator with Sky Racing and Sky Sports Radio.)

Is there a more fertile ground for spawning rumour, innuendo and suspicion than racing in Australia? If there is, I haven't found it.

Earlier this week, a bizarre and widely-circulated rumour swept through the racing industry which suggested Victoria's premier trainer, Peter Moody, had "up to 40 positive tests" from horses he trained.

Andrew Bensley, on his Sky Sports Radio program, Racing HQ, broached the subject with Victoria's chief steward, Terry Bailey, who flatly denied that there were mass positive swabs from the Moody establishment.

Newspapers followed up the next morning with quotes from the maligned Moody. As a consequence of his outstanding success rate, and because all winners are drug tested, Moody said he had the most scrutinised stable, from a doping analysis point of view, in Victoria and maybe even Australia.

There used to be an old saying among journos "never kill your own" - but, unfortunately, the same doesn't apply in racing.

Are the scurrilous stories spread out of jealousy or is it just that the tall poppy syndrome continues to flourish?

*****

IT often can be folly to get over excited about young jockeys but there is no doubt tyro apprentice Chad Schofield, the diminutive son of senior jockey Glyn Schofield, is a young man with potential.

Earlier this week, Schofield rode a winning double at Muswellbrook on Mr Jomar and Beau Colin.

On both occasions he had to crack a couple of "tough nuts" because the riders of the second placegetters were esteemed senior jockeys, Robert Thompson and Greg Ryan. On both occasions young Chad just prevailed in tight photo finishes.

On Mr Jomar, Schofield showed patience and vigour. After a slow beginning, Schofield flatly refused to be flustered and just made up ground steadily and then was able to overhaul the Thompson-ridden leader on the line.

*****

AT Rosehill on Saturday, Manawanui looks to have a mortgage on the Stan Fox in view of his outstanding win in the Golden Rose, so a short price prompts me to look elsewhere for an investment.

And, call me stubborn if you like but I am giving Madibagold one more chance in Race Five.

He was a bit disappointing at Newcastle in the Cameron Handicap but I keep harking back to his winter form which was good and included two minor placings in Listed races.

*****

AT Caulfield, the enigmatic Helmet faces his moment of truth in the Guineas Prelude.

According to reports, he has adapted splendidly to the left-handed going in Melbourne and should score an overdue win, particularly in view of the fact that arch rival, Smart Missile, has accepted against the older horses in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes.

In the Rupert Clarke, however, I fancy the Queensland-trained Woorim. He certainly handled Moonee Valley impressively for a first-up win and should find Caulfield to his liking.

In the Testa Rossa Stakes, another Queenslander, Phelan Ready, is long overdue for another win.

That almost is an understatement because he hasn't occupied the winner's stall since the 2009 Golden Slipper.

However, his recent fourth down the straight at Flemington was a solid effort and he just may be a bit better around the turn at Caulfield.