Tim Clark has been booked to ride Hot Danish’s little sister Hot ‘N’ Leica at Rosehill on Saturday in a move sure to create interest during the final metropolitan meeting of the season.
Clark had an outstanding association with the ill-fated Hot Danish, winning 14 races on the popular Les Bridge-trained mare including two Group Ones before a leg infection claimed her life earlier this year.
Scone-based trainer Greg Bennett was quick to snap up Hong Kong-bound Clark to ride Hot ‘N’ Leica in Saturday’s 2YO Handicap (1300m) and the jockey is looking forward to it.
“She was pretty impressive the other day winning quite well (at Tamworth) and I’m happy to get on her,” Clark said.
“Hot Danish gave me such a great thrill in racing and it will be nice to ride her sister and hopefully I can get a win on her too.”
Bennett took Hot ‘N’ Leica to Tamworth on July 16 and the filly made a stylish debut with an easy 1-1/2 length victory in a 1200m 2YO maiden at the country venue.
When the trainer decided on giving the daughter of Nothin’ Leica Dane a city test he thought he’d try his luck at getting Clark on board.
“I’m sure it will create a bit of interest, people will want to know what he thinks of her and all that,” Bennett said.
“He’s ridden Hot Danish and I think it’s a nice touch.”
Bennett plans to send Hot ‘N’ Leica for a spell after Saturday’s event but believes the Rosehill excursion will provide great experience for the youngster and stand her in good stead when she returns as a three-year-old.
“I think the big track will suit her,” Bennett said.
“She’ll probably race there and then go out for a break. She’s well enough to come to town and it will be good to see her against better quality two-year-olds on a big track.
“She’s no Hot Danish yet but it is all still ahead of her.”
Hot ‘N’ Leica is raced by her breeder David Parker, and Bennett said the filly was doing everything on raw ability at the moment.
“She’s a big filly and once she has really grown into herself she’ll form a very nice filly,” he said.
Clark might only get one opportunity on Hot ‘N’ Leica as he is set to leave for Hong Kong next month after gaining a contract to ride there next season.
AAP TURF
