Having got the season off to a flying start with a winning treble at Rosehill, Tim Clark is turning his attention to claiming the first Sydney stakes race of the new term aboard Gangsta Granny.
Clark will reunite with the Hawkes Racing mare in Saturday’s Group 2 Missile Stakes (1200m), hoping to consolidate that form.
“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 said.
The top jockey’s only other ride on Gangsta Granny yielded a third to Stefi Magnetica in last year’s The Invitation (1400m).
It’s a race that is still fresh in Clark’s mind, and an effort he is keen to make amends for.
“I didn’t quite have the best of luck when I rode her in The Invitation, so I’m looking to redeem that,” he said.
“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 ultra consistent, and hasn’t finished outside the placings in 12 starts.
Clark says that is due to a combination of her tenacity, and the deft programming skills of Team Hawkes.
Gangsta Granny has primarily competed in fillies and mares’ grade over the past 12 months, managing a brace of Group 3 victories and five black type placings, but he doesn’t expect her to have any issue taking on the boys in the Missile Stakes (1200m).
“She’s a strong mare and obviously the Hawkes team have placed her really well throughout her career,” Clark said.
“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.”
Angel Capital was a $2.60 Missile Stakes favourite on Thursday, ahead of Gangsta Granny at $3.80 and Ninja at $3.90.
