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By Ray Hickson

Jockey Tim Clark is sure Godolphin import Lackeen’s turn in the winner’s stall will come and says Saturday’s Elite Sand & Soil Handicap (1800m) at Rosehill is the most suitable race for him this preparation.

Jockey Tim Clark (Pic: Steve Hart).

Lackeen has been beaten less than half a length at his past two starts by the Chris Waller-trained Achiever and No Compromise respectively and he faces another Waller stumbling block in the emerging Wicklow.

But Clark said the four-year-old has had five weeks between runs at his past two starts and that won’t be a factor this time around.

“Although he’s been narrowly beaten recently, Achiever beat him when he was 1550m to 2000m then the other day he was just outtoughed,’’ Clark said.

“There hasn’t been the perfect race for him and that’s why a couple of his runs have been spaced.

“He’s only a couple of weeks between runs which will suit him better and he’s rock hard fit. He hasn’t drawn well (14) but if he has any luck he will be in the finish again.”

The gelding was a well supported favourite when he was ambushed by a brilliant ride from James McDonald on No Compromise over 2000m two weeks ago.

Clark said the barrier does pose a small problem but, unless trainer James Cummings’ instructions tell him otherwise, he’ll likely make the decision when the gates open on how he’ll be ridden.

“The stronger stayer at the end of the day beat him and that horse was coming back in trip from 2400m while Lackeen was five weeks between runs,’’ he said.

“I thought he did a pretty good job. He’s had his chance, he hasn’t been left with any excuses but he’s knocking on the door that’s for sure. He’s racing well and his turn will come.”

Lackeen was a $5.50 chance with TAB on Thursday with Wicklow ($2.20) the favourite to make it four straight.

Clark will be reunited with Coffs Harbour mare Hellenism in the $100,000 TAB Highway (1100m) on Saturday and he’s been encouraged by watching her two runs back from a long spell.

Hellenism, $3 favourite with TAB, won a Highway with Clark in the saddle in January last year but her Country Championships campaign was interrupted by a minor injury and she recorded two more Highway placings in April and May before the long layoff.

She was run down by Mirra Vision in a Benchmark 78 when resuming on May 22 and was only beaten two lengths second-up at Warwick Farm.

“She looks like she’s returned in really good order and it’s nice to get back on her,’’ he said.

“The form out of her first-up run is pretty strong with Mirra Vision winning again and even the other day some horses have come out and run well from her race.

“She’s got a nice draw, she handles the conditions and is going to be awfully hard to beat.”

Lackeen runs second at Rosehill on June 19

Of his other rides at Rosehill, Clark is expecting the Bjorn Baker-trained Bring The Ransom to take another step up in the Quayclean Handicap (1500m) after an improved second-up effort two weeks ago.

The mare, $19 with TAB, finished three lengths from all the way winner Expat on that occasion.

“I’ve had a little bit to do with her and she can break through in the next couple of starts,’’ he said.

“She’s ready to put in her best effort for the prep so far, whether that means she wins or not I’m not sure but she’s not far off the mark.”

All the fields, form and replays for Saturday's Rosehill meeting