Tim Clark believes there is a sense of timing surrounding progressive stayer No Compromise (NZ) (Pins) ahead of his latest assignment in the Gr.3 Premier’s Cup (2000m) at Kembla Grange.
The former New Zealander has scored a hat-trick of wins in five Australian starts and was given a freshen-up following his latest 2400m victory at Rosehill in July.
Clark, who partners No Compromise for the first time on Saturday, figures the break between runs has been a deliberate ploy by trainer Chris Waller to give the horse a spring carnival opportunity.
“You’ve got races coming up like the Wyong Cups and Newcastle Cups and the Metrop, so Chris is probably trying to time it so they can have him at his best by the time those races come around,” Clark said.
The Premier’s Cup will be an ideal litmus test for No Compromise, a half-brother to triple Group One winner Tofane (NZ) (Ocean Park) with the race attracting a handy field of stayers headed by Group One winner Quick Thinker (So You Think) and former European Dashing Willoughby (Nathaniel), who will be having his first start for Waller after being well beaten in the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups when prepared by Andrew Balding.
No Compromise was a $12 chance with TAB fixed odds on Thursday and he will appreciate a significant weight drop to 53.5kg after lumping 59kg last start.
“He’s done a really good job since he’s come over to Chris’ and a wet track is going to be to his liking,” Clark said.
“He’s still got that residual fitness and he’s had plenty of racing, so I wouldn’t imagine fitness will be a problem.”
