Experienced Knightsbridge targets vulnerability in Skyline Stakes rival
Jockey Tim Clark is aware that the spotlight will shine on adversary and leading Golden Slipper hope Warwoven during the Skyline Stakes, but in the event of any flaw in that colt's preparation, he anticipates Knightsbridge having the maturity to highlight it.
Warwoven enters unbeaten after two outings, but endured a disputed scratch from the Magic Millions Classic (1200m) at the direction of Queensland Racing veterinarians, who judged Bjorn Baker's juvenile to be lame.
Warwoven's first public gallop since early January comes in Saturday's Golden Slipper pathfinder, while Knightsbridge resumes post his fifth in the Gold Coast major.
The Gold Coast trip was Knightsbridge's follow-up interstate raid, succeeding his debut run at Flemington in spring and a win at Randwick, giving Clark grounds to suggest the much-travelled colt might disrupt proceedings in the Skyline Stakes.
"The two-year-olds seem to be taking it in turns and are fairly even," Clark said.
"Bjorn's colt (Warwoven) has put down a couple of good performances, so I suspect all eyes are going to be on him on Saturday to see how he returns.
"Knightsbridge, he's been well seasoned. He has travelled to Melbourne, he has travelled to the Gold Coast. He's the sort of horse where nothing phases him. He's a really sensible colt and he's going to handle anything thrown at him.
"Those attributes, along with the good talent he has, is going to take him a fair way."
Curiously, Clark's initial race engagement with Knightsbridge occurs on Saturday, despite trialling him officially as a two-year-old in September and regular trackwork sessions.
He is also slated to steer stablemate By Choice, from the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott yard, in the Sweet Embrace Stakes (1200m).
After her third placing in the Magic Millions, the filly heads back to Sydney, with Clark appreciative of her qualities.
"She trialled beautifully at Rosehill the other morning and she's a very straightforward filly who just wants to please you," he said.
"She is honest, will give her all and she will give them something to catch."
Visit online bookmakers to find the keenest markets for the Skyline Stakes.
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