Tim Clark recognises that attention will focus on competitor and Golden Slipper contender Warwoven in the Skyline Stakes, yet should there be any weakness in that colt’s defence, he believes Knightsbridge possesses the experience to reveal it.
The undefeated Warwoven, with two victories under his belt, faced a contentious withdrawal from the Magic Millions Classic (1200m) following a decision by Queensland Racing vets, who considered the Bjorn Baker charge to be unsound.
The upcoming Saturday Golden Slipper preparatory event marks Warwoven’s initial public outing since early January, whereas Knightsbridge returns after placing fifth in the Gold Coast highlight.
That Queensland foray represented the second out-of-state journey for the latter horse, coming after his initial appearance at Flemington during spring, and featuring a Randwick success in the interim, allowing Clark to argue that the extensively journeyed colt could prove troublesome in the Skyline Stakes.
“The two-year-olds seem to be taking it in turns and are fairly even,” Clark said.
“Bjorn’s colt (Warwoven) has put down a couple of good performances, so I suspect all eyes are going to be on him on Saturday to see how he returns.
“Knightsbridge, he’s been well seasoned. He has travelled to Melbourne, he has travelled to the Gold Coast. He’s the sort of horse where nothing phases him. He’s a really sensible colt and he’s going to handle anything thrown at him.
“Those attributes, along with the good talent he has, is going to take him a fair way.”
Notably, Saturday marks Clark’s debut race mount on Knightsbridge, though he had ridden him during the official two-year-old trials in September and has frequently partnered him in workouts.
Additionally, he is set to ride the colt’s stable companion By Choice, prepared by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, in the Sweet Embrace Stakes (1200m).
The filly is back in Sydney following her third-place effort in the Magic Millions, and Clark holds her in high regard.
“She trialled beautifully at Rosehill the other morning and she’s a very straightforward filly who just wants to please you,” he said.
“She is honest, will give her all and she will give them something to catch.”
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