Having initiated the season with a triumphant treble at Rosehill, Tim Clark is now shifting his focus to securing the opening Sydney stakes race of the new term aboard Gangsta Granny.
Clark will be reunited with the Hawkes Racing mare for Saturday’s Group 2 Missile Stakes (1200m), hoping to build upon his strong start to the season.
“It was a good day last week. I got some nice winners that weren’t totally expected, so that’s always nice, and for a variety of trainers too,” Clark shared.
The leading jockey’s only other ride on Gangsta Granny resulted in a third-place finish behind Stefi Magnetica in last year’s The Invitation (1400m).
It’s a race that remains a significant memory for Clark, and he is keen to make amends for that performance.
“I didn’t quite have the best of luck when I rode her in The Invitation, so I’m looking to redeem that,” he stated.
“She trialled up well on Friday at Randwick. I gave her a nice hit-out there. She’s drawn soft in one, so she will get the right run.
“She’ll probably need a bit of luck at the right stages, but you know with her, every time she goes out there she is going to try her best and give her all.”
Gangsta Granny has been exceptionally consistent, never finishing outside the placings in her twelve career starts.
Clark attributes this reliability to a combination of her tenacious nature and the astute race programming by Team Hawkes.
Gangsta Granny has primarily competed in fillies and mares’ grade over the past twelve months, achieving two Group 3 wins and five black-type placings, but Clark does not anticipate any issues with her taking on the colts and geldings in the Missile Stakes (1200m).
“She’s a strong mare and obviously the Hawkes team have placed her really well throughout her career,” Clark commented.
“Now is the time to test her at that little bit better level to see where she measures up.
“It’s always nice to get the call up to ride one of their horses because invariably, they’re in the right races. They do place them well, and I’m looking forward to teaming up with them on Saturday.”
As of Thursday, Angel Capital was the favourite for the Missile Stakes at $2.60, with Gangsta Granny at $3.80 and Ninja at $3.90.
The Missile Stakes presents an exciting opportunity to engage with Australian betting sites for the best available odds.
