 2011 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes Preview & Tips The main race at Caulfield on Saturday is the Group 1 $350,000 PFD Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes over 1400 metres. The handicap has attracted a field of 17 runners, with Warwick Stakes winner Pinwheel carrying the topweight of 58kg. The field contains Victorian, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide trained gallopers as well as Hong Kong trained Silver Grecian who will be having his first start here following a last-start win over 1600m at Shatin in July. The eight race program also includes a Group 3 and a Listed race. The track was rated dead at acceptance time with little change expected before Saturday.
Runners in the 2011 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield
Smart Missile ($3.50) is the only three-year-old in the race and has drawn the outside barrier. He is extremely talented and has already earned over $500,000 from his 4 starts, with 3 wins and a 2nd. He narrowly missed out on a Group 1 win last start behind Manawanui in the Golden Rose after being hampered around the 1000m and checked at the 600m. The barrier will not help but he is still one of the main chances.
Woorim ($4.50) has won 3 of his last 4 starts. He won the Group 3 BRC Sprint over 1350m at Doomben in May and the Listed Glasshouse Handicap over 1400m at the Sunshine Coast in July. After a 70 day break he won over 1200m at Moonee Valley on 10 September, and has drawn well in barrier 5. He ran 3rd in this race last year behind Response and No Evidence Needed and this is his favourite distance. Top hope.
Pinwheel ($8) is a Lonhro gelding from the Darley stable that is remarkably consistent with 10 wins and 11 places from 25 races. Eight of those wins have been over 1200m but the horse ran on strongly last start in the Group 2 Sebring Sprint over 1300m after being well back in the field, and finished 4th behind Master Of Design. Meets that horse 0.5 kg better at the weights. Has drawn barrier 8 and will give a good sight.
Blackie ($12) has won 4 of his 7 starts, over distances from 1300m to 1500m. He has had one start this campaign for a fast-finishing 2nd to Woorim over 1200m at Moonee Valley. He has won both of his second-up starts, so looks ideally placed here.
Dreamaway ($13) has had 11 starts for 6 wins and two 2nds. At the end of her last campaign she won 5 consecutive races in Perth, including the Group 3 WA Oaks and the Group 1 WATC Derby. She is one of 3 mares in the races (the others are Yosei and Majestic Music) and is probably looking for more distance.
Toorak Toff ($15) has had one race back from a spell for a 5th in the Group 3 Bobbie Lewis over 1200m, 1.1 lengths behind the winner Lone Rock. He won the Golden Rose last year and has drawn barriewr 7. Each-way chance.
Luen Yat Forever ($15) has not won a race for a long time, but looked good when resuming only 0.7 lengths 4th behind Pinnacles at this track and distance.
Testascana ($16) has won his last 4 races in a row, over distances of 1400m to 1700m. His sire Testa Rossa won this race in 1999 and 2000 and it would be nice to see one of his progeny win (Gold Salute is also by Testa Rossa). Is race fit but barrier 16 is a bit of a worry.
Jo’s Tips – Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes
- Top Tip: (2.) Woorim
- Danger: (10.) Testascana
- Trifecta: (13.) Smart Missile
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