In the thrilling atmosphere of Newcastle's The Hunter race, jockey Tim Clark aims for glory on local contender Rustic Steel, seeking to capture a coveted $1 million prize and elevate hometown pride to new heights.
In the eagerly awaited The Hunter race in Newcastle, jockey Tim Clark plays a crucial role as he rides the only local contender, Rustic Steel, in collaboration with the renowned trainer Kris Lees. As Newcastle anticipates a victory for their hometown, Rustic Steel emerges as a representative of local pride and a determined effort to secure a $1 million prize—something Lees has aimed for but narrowly missed in recent years with horses such as Wandabaa (2021), Special Reward (2020), and Tactical Advantage (2019). Clark, a seasoned jockey known for his remarkable track record, is set to debut aboard Rustic Steel, promising a thrilling performance that has both fans and experts eagerly watching.
Clark faces significant challenges as Rustic Steel must adapt to a shorter distance of 1300m, down from his recent win at 1500m in the Ladies Day Cup at Hawkesbury. “He performed well at Hawkesbury over 1500, so he’ll need to readjust for the shorter distance,” Clark remarked, showing both confidence and practicality. With barrier three secured, Rustic Steel's position appears advantageous for a swift race, particularly with the expected pace from Coal Crusher, who drew a wide barrier, and the speedy Phearson. If everything plays out as anticipated, Clark foresees a “genuine tempo,” which would set Rustic Steel up for a strong finish, provided the pace remains consistent.
In addition to The Hunter, Clark's schedule is packed with an array of significant rides. Among them is The Three Hundred, which is trained by the esteemed Tulloch Lodge duo of Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott and will participate in the Group 3 Spring Stakes (1600m). Also included in Clark's lineup is Nikau Spur, a winner of the Queensland Cup, who is set to compete in the Listed The Beauford (2300m), further enhancing a competitive roster. Each race presents its own set of challenges, but Clark's vast experience could position him as one of the standout jockeys of the day.
In addition to his other rides, Clark is scheduled to ride Ganbare, another contender from Tulloch Lodge, in the Alf Kneebone Trans Tasman Trophy (1850m). Ganbare, known for his performance in stakes races, had a disappointing start to his current season, but Clark remains optimistic after closely monitoring the horse during trials. “He didn’t fully display his capabilities in his first race back, and his recent trial was not quite what we hoped for,” Clark noted, but he maintains a positive outlook. “Ganbare has the pedigree, demonstrated by his victory in the Dulcify Stakes and his strong preparation for the Spring Champion. If he can find that winning form again, he’ll definitely be in the running for a top finish.”
Featuring a robust array of stakes and demanding handicap races, Newcastle's racetrack is poised to present a remarkable exhibition of top-tier talent. Clark's thoughtfully selected mounts will serve as a highlight for both eager fans and experienced analysts. His partnership with Rustic Steel might emerge as the day's defining moment, symbolizing Newcastle's lofty aspirations while highlighting the determination, accuracy, and expertise that Clark consistently demonstrates in all his races.
