Clark backs Dixie for G1 Myer graduation

With every horse except First Seal hunting a first Group One win in the Myer Classic, Dixie Blossoms’ jockey Tim Clark has given a ringing endorsement his mount will make the grade.

Ron Quinton-trained Dixie Blossoms is one of six horses in the field of 14 yet to compete at the top level ahead of Saturday’s 1600m race at Flemington.

And while First Seal is the only Group One winner of the bunch, it has been more than two years since she reached those heights.

She foreshadowed a return to her three-year-old form where she had Winx’s measure by convincingly winning the Group Two Tristarc Stakes at Caulfield on October 8.

But first-up, Clark and Dixie Blossoms finished ahead of her in the Group Two Golden Pendant at Rosehill on September 24.

“I think she’s definitely up to this grade,” Clark told AAP.

“She beat First Seal when she was first-up and those form lines are strong.”

Dixie Blossoms finally got the luck she had been craving during this preparation when she won the Group Three Angst Stakes at Randwick on October 8.

Clark gave her a patient, weaving ride which drew plaudits from Quinton, a former champion jockey.

“She got the breaks when I needed them and showed an awesome turn of foot,” Clark said.

“She put them away quickly and won well.”

With state rivalry on the line during the Melbourne spring carnival, Clark says he is confident Dixie Blossoms has the class to further boost Sydney’s form.

“The Sydney horses are doing really well in Melbourne so I think she’ll give a really good account of herself,” Clark said.

John Thompson-trained First Seal is the $4.20 favourite to win the Myer.

Dixie Blossoms is one of three horses on the second line of betting at $6.50, along with Don’t Doubt Mamma and Perth filly Whispering Brook.

Don’t Doubt Mamma is the only Victorian-trained horse in the top five of the market while Whispering Brook and I Am A Star are aiming to become the first three-year-olds to win the race.

Newcastle trainer Kris Lees will saddle up Danish Twist who is rated a $9.50 chance after her fifth behind First Seal in the Tristarc.