Tim Clark chooses Alligator Blood over rich Sydney two-year-old race
Tim Clark is set to forgo riding at the Inglis Millennium meeting in Sydney in order to follow weight-for-age heavyweight Alligator Blood to Melbourne for his first-up run in the C F Orr Stakes.
Clark has combined with the Tulloch Lodge gelding for a trio of Group 1 wins and after partnering him to a 1000-metre barrier trial victory at Rosehill on Thursday, the top jockey says he is keen to stick with him again this campaign.
“I think the plan is to run in the C F Orr still, which is in just over two weeks’ time,” Clark said.
“It seems to fit in well with his program, from there to the Futurity (Stakes) and then hit the All-Star Mile third-up, and I think the Australian Cup after that.
“Unless something was to happen, it’s highly likely I will be going to Melbourne to ride him.
“He has been such a good horse to me so I’m keen to stick with him, hopefully it works out that way.”
Alligator Blood, who was having his second trial this time in, took out the first of the two Group heats with West Of Dalby edging out Lindermann in the other.
Clark gave the seven-year-old a couple of slaps down the shoulder to keep his mind on the job, but he looked to get through his work comfortably.
The hoop was also aboard Tulloch Lodge three-year-old Red Resistance, who finished a close third behind West Of Dalby, and said the colt felt much better than the last time he trialled him in August.
Red Resistance hasn’t raced for almost a year after being ruled of the Golden Slipper with a virus then failing to come up in the spring.
“Much better. He seemed to be wanting to do it,” Clark said.
“Last prep, he just wasn’t with it, but I was encouraged by the trial and he’s going to take good improvement off it.”
Smart sprinter Buenos Noches was also given a quite time in the same heat, finishing fifth and on the heels of the placegetters.
The C F Orr Stakes (1400m) is at Caulfield on February 10, the same day as the $2 million Inglis Millennium (1100m) at Randwick.
More Racing News
Darley australia to host retired godolphin colts tentyris and observer
A pair of Godolphin colts, each with two Group 1 wins under their belts, have ended their track careers and will stand at stud with Darley later this year.The decision to retire Tentyris and Observer was made public on Monday, seeing them allocated to Darley Australia's separate venues.By Street Boss,...
Ciaron Maher eyes four entrants for VRC St Leger
The champion stayer trainer Ciaron Maher counts one horse already locked in for Saturday's Listed VRC St Leger at Flemington, but he is pushing for substantially more involvement in the key event.Among the 28 declarations for the $200,000 2800-metre race are Awesome Artist, Noble Falcon, Intervened, and Tasmanian Derby champion...
New Zealand's Confesara eyes victory in Australasian Oaks
The track record of Roger James in capturing Australian Group 1 events for three-year-old fillies goes all the way back to the beginning of the 2000s, and he seeks to add to that tally this coming Saturday.Teaming up with co-trainer Robert Wellwood, the Kiwi conditioner has entered Confesara for the...
Adelaide hosts Niance's campaign launch
Grahame Begg, the trainer, is travelling to Adelaide featuring his capable mare Niance, potentially opening doors to a Brisbane-focused campaign for the quick runner.Since Flemington lacks fitting sprint races for Niance on Saturday, Begg chooses the Group 3 John Hawkes Stakes (1100m) held at Morphettville.By chance, Flemington's Anzac Day schedule...
Cap Ferrat set for reunion with Williams in Queen Elizabeth II Cup
The top jockey Craig Williams seeks to conclude a demanding weekend on a high note with a Group 1 win in Hong Kong, reuniting with 2025 Hong Kong Derby champion Cap Ferrat in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2000m) at Sha Tin come April 26.On Saturday, Williams boasts almost a...
Recon hands Carey elusive Hareeba Stakes success
Pat Carey, the hometown conditioner, has banished his Hareeba Stakes hoodoo after Recon unleashed a dazzling closing effort to take out the prize at Mornington.Carey had endured ongoing frustration in the Listed Hareeba Stakes (1200m), pursuing a victory across several campaigns, notably second with Kelthorpe in 2006 and third via...
All Aged Stakes delivers Beiwacht's second elite victory
Hall of Fame conditioner Chris Waller's unbeaten autumn dominance in Sydney received a fitting finale from Godolphin's Beiwacht, who powered to a determined lead-all-the-way success versus a elite opposition in the Group 1 $1.5 million All Aged Stakes (1400m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday.In addition, Waller filled the first two...
Mornington Cup win gives Kings Valley direct entry to Caulfield Cup
Kings Valley, under the guidance of trainer Ciaron Maher, has clinched a ballot exemption for the Caulfield Cup courtesy of a gritty performance at Mornington.The Listed Mornington Cup conquest on Saturday delivers the 'Golden Ticket' access to the Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) scheduled for October.Maher notched his second Mornington...
Pride stable trifecta topped by Mazu in Hall Mark Stakes
At eight years old, the exceptional Mazu maintains his sharp turn of foot and zest for competition, setting the tempo wire-to-wire for his third consecutive triumph in Saturday's Group 3 $250,000 Hall Mark Stakes (1200m).Previously, Pride's star had mastered the Hall Mark on rain-affected surfaces where he excels, but facing...
Waller's record Sydney autumn run ends with Fireball edging Champagne Stakes
Chris Waller, the celebrated Hall of Fame trainer, notched a historic Sydney Saturday Group 1 sweep as Fireball got the better of stable companion Campione D'Italia in Saturday's $1 million Champagne Stakes (1600m) at Royal Randwick.The autumn carnival's eighth straight (and last) Sydney Saturday of Group 1 races saw Waller...