Tim Clark hopes he has pulled the right rein by opting to ride Tulloch Lodge youngster Dubai Star ahead of debutant Wild Ruler in the Inglis Nursery at Randwick .
Clark had to choose between the pair after partnering both youngsters in recent barrier trials and it was not an easy decision.
“I didn’t think there was a lot between them. I think they’re both quality two-year-olds,” Clark said.
“I trialled the Snowdens’ colt twice, Wild Ruler, and I’ve got a lot of time for him as well, he is a really nice colt.
“I think he is going to prove one of the hardest to beat and he’s drawn (barrier) one which helps him.
“But hopefully that race experience Dubai Star has got, I was banking on that maybe being the difference, but we will find out Saturday.”
Dubai Star finished runner-up in the Merson Cooper Stakes at Sandown last month when she raced handy and fought to the line.
She has a wide barrier on Saturday and Clark will have to draw on her natural pace.
“She showed great gate speed at the trials so hopefully she can do something similar on Saturday and work forward into a spot somewhere,” Clark said.
“As you would expect from one of Gai and Adrian’s, she is very push-button, very professional.”
Clark will be chasing his second feature race win for Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott this week after teaming with them in the Magic Millions Wyong 2YO Classic aboard Farnan on Thursday.
He links with Siren’s Fury for Jason Coyle in the Group Two Villiers Stakes (1600m) and Firsthand for Hawkes Racing in the Listed Razor Sharp Handicap (1200m).
He has also picked up the ride on progressive stayer Miss Moana for John Sargent in the Listed Christmas Cup (2400m).
The mare has won two of her past three starts in midweek grade and takes on seasoned performers, including ATC Cup winner Alward.
“It’s not a strong race by any means but those old hard heads are always hard to beat. They may not look like they’re in the best of form but they’re tough,” Clark said.
“For a mare on the way up, she is going to have her work cut out but she’s got a good racing style and she will run well.”
