Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
General Salute Winter Stakes hopes are strong at Rosehill on Saturday, with jockey Tim Clark confident the gelding can win the Listed 1400m sprint if he repeats his best spring form.
General Salute brings proven form around high-class horses after placing behind Autumn Glow in the Theo Marks Stakes, then finishing behind Headley Grange and Transatlantic in later spring runs. His recent Civic Stakes effort was plain, but Clark believes there were clear reasons for that result.
For more horse racing coverage, read Star Of Macedon Leads Sheila Laxon’s Flemington Finals Day Team, while official Sydney racing updates are available through Racing NSW.
Clark Backs Spring Form
“There are any of three or four runs in the spring which, if he replicated, he’d win the race on Saturday. Simple as that,” Clark commented.
General Salute resumed with an unlucky second to the speedy Wanaruah in the Bob Charley AO Stakes over 1100m. He then faded to midfield in the Civic Stakes over 1400m, a run that may make punters think twice.
“He was going from 1100 to 1400 . . . and I ended up being a bit close to what turned out to be a really fast speed. It just gassed him a little bit late,” Clark elaborated. “Now he’s had that run over 1400 under his belt, he will be a lot better for it.”
Better Setup At Rosehill
“A bit of cut in the track won’t hurt, and he’s drawn one, so he’s going to have a much more economical run throughout.”
The draw should allow General Salute to conserve energy behind what shapes as a strong tempo. Whinchat and Cool Jakey were both forward in transit last start and are expected to roll along again.
Speed Map Could Suit
“The two horses who set the speed are there again, so they’re going to go quick,” Clark said. “But now he’s had that run under his belt over 1400, he’s going to be better for it and able to cope with that type of pressure. He did race a little bit keenly the other day, but it’s a far better set-up for him on Saturday.”
General Salute also receives a 3-1/2 kilo weight pull over Midnight Dynamite. If he settles cleanly from barrier one, Clark expects him to be in the finish.
