Dan Clarken has a proven track record when it comes to producing quality juveniles, and he’s confident Bootlegger can add to that reputation in this weekend’s Group 3 SA Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m).
Having already enjoyed Group 1 success in the Blue Diamond and most recently taking out the G3 David Coles Stakes with Steel Trap, Clarken will team up again with co-trainer Oopy McGillivray in pursuit of another significant win for their stable.
Bootlegger, a son of emerging sire Too Darn Hot, broke his maiden stylishly at Gawler last start, and Clarken says the youngster has come on since that effort.
“He hasn’t taken any step back from the other day,” Clarken said. “You think they might need a break, but they can surprise you by putting on weight, and sometimes the racing can toughen them up.”
“He’s certainly done that between the two runs and he’s still not there in the coat, so there’s more to come from him.”
Clarken says Bootlegger’s versatility is a strength heading into a race that looks open on paper. “I’m happy to be going there on Saturday because I don’t think there are any superstars there,” he said. “It’s a good race for him and he’s a versatile horse. He has the tactical speed if he needs it, but we’ve also seen him finish off from behind.”
Despite not being as precocious as stablemate Steel Trap, Bootlegger has always shown potential. “We actually thought he might be a bit earlier than what he is but he was a bit immature through the bone and kept going shin sore,” Clarken explained. “From what we see, he’s going to be worth waiting for. He’s got gears.”
“He’s a different type of horse to Steel Trap—she’s a bit tougher and got there earlier—but there wouldn’t be a great deal between them on natural ability.”
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