Jockey Tim Clark believes that Peter Moody-trained Dissident is a leading chance for the 2013 Golden Rose (1400m) at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday despite drawing barrier 14.
Dissident is chasing his first victory in Sydney in the Golden Rose at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia
Dissident has performed well in Sydney since returning from the spelling paddock last month, finishing second behind Eurozone in the Listed The Rosebud (1200m) and second in the Group 3 The Run The Rose (1200m) after receiving no luck in the final stages of the race.
Clark is adamant that Dissident would have won The Run To The Rose if he was unable to get a run at the right time and he is confident that the Sebring colt is one of the leading chances for the Golden Rose this weekend.
“His first two runs up in Sydney have been really good,” Clark told Sky Racing HQ.
“Eurozone beat him first up and he had a few traffic problems there (in The Run To The Rose) the other day.
“If he had of been able to get out and he goes on to win the race easily than he nearly starts favourite for this race.
“He has had two runs and is ready to win third-up.
“I think that I am on the right horse and I just have to give him a good ride from the gate now.”
Clark admits that Dissident will need a bit of luck to get a good position in running, after jumping from an outside gate, but he believes that the tempo of the race and the versatility of the classy colt will give him every chance to play a part in the finish.
“Obviously he is going to need to do everything right from the awkward gate but he looks like a leading contender,” Clark said.
“He is pretty versatile, I haven’t spoken to Peter yet but we will obviously come up with a plan.
“I assume that he will be trying to get in midfield somewhere.
“He has a good turn-of-foot so hopefully they go a bit too hard up front and I’m sure that he will run a good race.
“He is coming on and stepping up to 1400 metres should suit him.”
Clark was victorious in the Group 1 Hong Kong Classic Cup (1800m) earlier this year but he is chasing his first win at the highest level of racing in Australia since he won the Doncaster Mile (1600m) on Sacred Choice in 2011.
