TIM CLARK isn't looking to consolidate. The one-time champion apprentice wants to upgrade. That's the challenge for the 22-year-old who is out to play giant-killer again at Rosehill, with rejuvenated galloper Captain Bax looking for more scalps in today's Premiere Stakes.

The Kris Lees-trained gelding is one of seven rides for Clark. In a mark of his worth to the Sydney riding ranks, his book is the biggest of any jockey riding at the meeting. And to think the metropolitan jockeys' room has a new-found depth.

"It is a matter of head down, bum up, working hard," Clark said yesterday. "Trying to ride them all well, not make mistakes. There are plenty of good jockeys to take over if you do stuff up.

"Connections expect you to perform well on everything you ride. If you do stuff up, put in a bad ride, they can take you off and they've got someone just as good to replace you."

Clark arrived in the harbour city about 2½ years ago. He kicked off under trainer Peter Clancy at Leeton before joining the John O'Shea stable at Randwick. Clark gave junior rivals four months' start in the apprentices' title and gunned them down.

Despite breaking his shoulder in a race fall late last year, Clark emerged from the equine influenza-ravaged period to complete his best season.

"My last season was my best," he said. "I had a good one. I came back from the injury, it took a while to hit my straps but I had a lot of luck.

"I rode Typhoon Zed to win my first group 1 in The Galaxy, it was a big thrill, there were a few other nice winners, too.

"Running sixth on the [Sydney jockeys'] premiership was quite good, I was happy with that. Hopefully, I can finish around the same spot this year."

Clark rides the O'Shea-trained imported mare Music Review in the opening race today, and the trainer is proud of the jockey's achievements.

"It doesn't surprise me what Tim has done," O'Shea said. "He has a great work ethic and a willingness to listen and learn."