Tim Clark Aims for Victory on Rustic Steel in The Hunter
Join the excitement at Newcastle's The Hunter race, as jockey Tim Clark aims for local glory aboard Rustic Steel, navigating challenges while representing a city eager to see its dreams of victory come to life.
In the much-anticipated The Hunter race in Newcastle, jockey Tim Clark plays a crucial role as he rides the only local contender, Rustic Steel, while teaming up with renowned trainer Kris Lees. With the local community eager for a victory, Rustic Steel is set to shine, symbolizing both regional pride and a determined quest to secure a $1 million prize—an elusive achievement that Lees has narrowly missed in past years with horses such as Wandabaa (2021), Special Reward (2020), and Tactical Advantage (2019). Clark, a seasoned jockey with a strong track record, will have his first ride on Rustic Steel, promising a dynamic performance that has both fans and analysts keenly observing.
Clark faces significant challenges, as Rustic Steel must adapt to a shorter distance of 1300m, down from his recent victory at 1500m in the Ladies Day Cup at Hawkesbury. "He performed well at 1500 in Hawkesbury, so he will need to adjust to the shorter distance," Clark remarked, balancing confidence with realism. With barrier three secured, Rustic Steel's position appears advantageous for a fast-paced race, particularly with the expected speed from Coal Crusher, who has drawn wide, and the swift Phearson. If things unfold as anticipated, Clark expects a "genuine tempo," which could position Rustic Steel for a strong finish, should the pace remain steady.
In addition to The Hunter, Clark has a busy day planned with several important rides on the card. Among them is The Three Hundred, which is under the guidance of the prestigious Tulloch Lodge team led by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, competing in the Group 3 Spring Stakes (1600m). Clark will also be riding Nikau Spur, a winner of the Queensland Cup, who is set to race in the Listed The Beauford (2300m), further strengthening an impressive lineup. Each race presents its own set of challenges, but with Clark's vast experience, he is poised to be one of the standout jockeys of the day.
In addition to his other rides, Clark will take the reins on Ganbare, another entrant from Tulloch Lodge, in the Alf Kneebone Trans Tasman Trophy (1850m). Ganbare, known for his stakes performances, has had a rocky start to his current season, yet Clark remains optimistic after closely monitoring the horse during trials. “He didn’t fully demonstrate his capabilities in his initial race, and his latest trial could have been better,” Clark noted, but he maintains a positive outlook. “Ganbare possesses the pedigree, evidenced by his win in the Dulcify Stakes and his strong preparation for the Spring Champion. If he can recapture that form, he’ll certainly be in the running for a top placing.”
Featuring a robust lineup of stakes and demanding handicap races, Newcastle's racetrack is poised to present an impressive exhibition of top-tier talent. Clark's meticulously selected mounts will serve as a highlight for both passionate attendees and experienced analysts. His partnership with Rustic Steel has the potential to be the defining moment of the day, representing Newcastle's aspirations while demonstrating the resilience, precision, and skill that Clark consistently brings to each race he competes in.
