Gary Clarke to field all runners in Darwin race this Saturday
Leading NT trainer Gary Clarke is assured of at least one win at Darwin on Saturday.
Clarke, the champion conditioner in the Top End for the past 11 years, will field all five runners in the 1300m open handicap at Fannie Bay.
Consequently, jockeys Jarrod Todd (Wolfburn), Jade Hampson (Siakam), Aaron Sweeney (Bel’s Banner), Ianish Luximon (Influential Jack) and Casey Hunter (Hazelwood) will fight it out for a share of first prize.
“It’s a rare thing, I’m pretty sure I might have done it once before,” Clarke said.
“I nominated Wolfburn and Siakam, but nobody else nominated, so I put an extra three in it so the race could go ahead.
“It would have been a shame to see the prizemoney go to waste.”
With trainers resting their horses before the action picks up prior to the Darwin Cup Carnival, which starts on July 6, Saturday’s meeting comprises five races, with the scheduled 0-70 event over 1600m scrapped.
“I’m just sorry I wasn’t able to hold up the other race as well,” Clarke added.
“I didn’t have any other horses to put in the mile, otherwise I would have done the same.
“I’m lucky that I’ve got the capabilities to be able to do that with all the horses I’ve got.
“I’m happy to hold up a race the best I can.”
Stewards must be notified of riding instructions when a trainer has three or more runners in a race.
Siakam, Bel’s Banner and Influential Jack are racing well, but the impressive Wolfburn should start as favourite with online bookmakers.
Meanwhile, Tanaawol and Tiara Jewel — both with Todd aboard — are strong hopes as they make their Fannie Bay returns.
Tanaawol will carry top weight in the 0-64 opener over 1300m, while Tiara Jewel will close out the card in a 0-58 affair over the mile.
“We almost lost Tanaawol to either a spider or snake bite over the New Year period, but he’s back after having two wins from two starts,” Clarke said.
“Tiara Jewel had two wins here last year and was third in Adelaide in January, so she’s going to be hard to beat in that grade.”
With 46 wins for the 2023/24 season, Clarke leads the way from Phil Cole (24) in the race for the Top End trainers’ premiership.