Tim Clark has no regrets about his decision to stay in Sydney, rather than head to Melbourne to partner top colt In The Congo in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes.
Clark has been the three-year-old’s regular rider this spring, steering him to victories in the San Domenico Stakes (1100m) and the $1 million Golden Rose (1400m)
But when he had to make the call on whether to travel, it was still unclear if Sydney jockeys were going to be able to ride in Victoria and instead of rolling the dice, he thought it was fairer to make an early decision.
“I had to be fair on everyone and give them time to get a rider. I didn’t want to leave it ’til the last minute in deciding,” Clark said.
“Things have changed a bit now and it’s not as hard to get down there.
“But I’m happy to stay here and I’ve got some good chances at Rosehill, including Vangelic in the main race (Golden Eagle).
“It was just one of those things where you couldn’t be in two places at once and I’m happy to be riding in Sydney.”
In Clark’s absence, Craig Williams has picked up the mount on the Tulloch Lodge colt, who claimed the scalp of subsequent Caulfield Guineas winner and Cox Plate runner-up Anamoe in the Golden Rose.
In The Congo has not raced since then and will be tackling the Flemington straight for the first time under race conditions, but Clark has no doubt he has the arsenal to add Saturday’s race to his already impressive resume.
“He’s a top-quality colt and if he repeats what he did in the Golden Rose, he will probably win the race,” Clark said.
“That Golden Rose is a very high-rating race and he did it from start to finish. It will be interesting to see how he goes down the straight.”
In The Congo will wear blinkers for the first time in the Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) and is a marginal $4.20 favourite over Extreme Warrior ($4.40) with Paulele on the third line of betting at $7.