Clark’s ‘crystal ball’ with Playlist

[Wandering Eyes]

There’s a fair bit of Nostradamus about Gippsland trainer Matthew Clark.

Last week, Clark predicted he was “really confident” after Playlist drew box one in tonight’s Group 1 Vic Peters Classic (520m) at Wentworth Park in Sydney.

And that was despite he had his champion litter brother, Catch The Thief, in the $75,000-to-the-winner final.

“Catch The Thief made a mess of the start and a few other mistakes but I was really happy with Playlist’s run,” Clark said following the heats.

“I’m really confident with Playlist from box one. I’ve always said he’s at least as good as Catch The Thief but his future will be over the distance. He took a lot of ground off Tommy Shelby last week and off the red I reckon he’s the dark horse.”

Prophetic words indeed, Matt!

Clark’s words rang true when Playlist ($12) defeated WA star Tommy Shelby ($2.50F) by three and three-quarter lengths, with rank outsider Simply Smudge ($101) a further half-length away third in 29.96sec. Catch The Thief ($4.40) finished fourth, four and three-quarter lengths away from his sibling.

Playlist (May ’18 Aussie Infrared x Dundee Ally) notched his eighth win from 19 starts and his stakes catapulted to $94,630.

And what a week it was for Clark – from COVID-19 testing, dodging border closures and sleeping on a stretcher alongside his two contenders. It certainly was a week to remember!

“I am so proud of how our state performed at Wentworth Park tonight,” GRV Chair Peita Duncan said.

“I was so emotional when Playlist crossed the line. It is so tough for Victorian’s at the moment and a win for the Clark’s is a win for everyone in the state. We needed a positive and the Vic Peters Classic certainly provided us that.”

Pawnote: In a nice touch, the wife of Matt Clark received an exemption to attend Wentworth Park tonight to handle Catch The Thief because apparently he’s a ladies’ man.

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