3 minute read

Tim Clark has drawn first blood at Gosford, snaring the opening race with promising gelding Resonator.

Tulloch Lodge youngster Resonator has booked his spot on the stable's Brisbane winter carnival team with a courageous performance at the stand-alone Gosford meeting. 

The two-year-old mustered good speed out of the gates for Tim Clark but was pestered in front midrace by Ona Bender, who went forward after being trapped wide. 

Resonator shook him off on the home bend and kicked clear before Zou Tiger emerged from the pack to launch a challenge. 

However, Resonator ($2.90 fav) was up to the task, digging deep to hold out Zou Tiger ($4.60) and win the Vital Hospitality Group 2YO Handicap (1200m), with Northern Beaches ($18) making ground for third. 

After finishing down the track in the Breeders' Plate on debut in the spring, Resonator remains unbeaten from two runs this campaign and is now set to head north where he is nominated for the BRC Sires' Produce Stakes (1400m) and Group 1 J J Atkins Stakes (1600m), both at Eagle Farm. 

"I think a good Queensland campaign beckons for him now (after) two promising wins," Clark said. 

"We could have gone another furlong there and the second horse was never going to get past him. 

"He was always going to hold it. 

"He just feels terrific in himself at the moment too. 

"He's in a really good space at the moment so onwards and upwards." 

The Sires' Produce Stakes is on May 28 with the J J Atkins two weeks later. 

Resonator toughs it out in Race 1 to take out the Gosford opener for the @GaiWaterhouse1-Bott stable! Another great ride from @clarkyhk out in front pic.twitter.com/b4s5D6x5Se

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 7, 2022