Clem looks to Jamesatelli after losing King Klaus

By Glenn Davis

Gary Clem is hopeful enigmatic sprinter Jamesatelli will be on his best behaviour at Bundaberg on Saturday as the hobby trainer overcomes the loss of his former stable star King Klaus.

King Klaus, who developed a cult following throughout his 38-start career for Clem, was retired after finishing third at Nanango in the middle of December.

However, he later died suddenly following his retirement at Tolga on the Atherton Tablelands in North Queensland.

“He went up to retire at a property of one of his owners at Tolga when he was struck down with colic and died,” Clem said.

“It was a real shock and I’m devastated.”

Clem travelled to all parts of Queensland with King Klaus who finished his career with 16 wins and 10 placings with almost $320,000 in prizemoney.

Clem has a small team of four horses and combines training with his work doing odds jobs on the cane farms in Bundaberg owned by Bundaberg Sugar.

“I’m back working in the cane fields after I gave away driving trains for Bundy Sugar last year,” Clem said.

Clem has booked family friend Jaimee-Lee Devine to ride Jamesatelli in the Open Plate over 850 metres but is unsure how the seven-year-old will perform.

“I’ve booked Jaimee-Lee to ride him as she claims three kilos and she’s the daughter of a close mate of mine, Jason Devine, who trains at Thangool,” Clem said.

“I’m not sure how he’ll go as it all depends which Jamesatelli turns up on the day.

“He’s got a bag of tricks and if he wants to run he’ll run but if he’s not in the right mood he won’t and will stand in the gates.”

Jamesatelli hasn’t barrier trialled ahead of his return but has two wins and as many placings in five starts first-up.

The son of Ilovethiscity has won only one race on his home track from six attempts.

“He’s only small and is about 15 hands but he’s a stocky little fella who is just as wide as he’s tall,” Clem said.

“He was slow away last start so I put him in the paddock so he could think whether he wants to be a racehorse or not.

“We just don’t know which Jamesatelli will turn up.

“This campaign is the last throw of the dice for him and he could be retired if he doesn’t get back to form."