Toorak Handicap – 2021

Track: Good-Soft Weather: Shower or two

Fourteen runners are set to line up in the $1,000,000 Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes.  There are eight geldings, two entires and four mares.  Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr saddle up two runners, one of which is the favourite I’m Thunderstruck.  He returned from a six week let up with a slashing third in the Sir Rupert Clarke and looks set to run another big race here staying on the minimum weight.  The New Zealand trained Elephant has six wins from his seven starts and won the Sandown Stakes on September 25.

Dice Roll was terrific off a break in the Sir Rupert Clarke and looks set to run well again in this.  Tofane is a three time Group 1 but is yet to prove herself at the mile.  However she should get every opportunity to run it from barrier three.  Sierra Sue won the Sir Rupert Clarke last start and is racing in career best form.  The Feehan Stakes winner Superstorm gets the blinkers back on for this fourth up assignment, while Second Slip has won twice this preparation.  The remaining runners are longer than $20-1.

1. Tofane

Won back to back Group 1’s at Eagle Farm in June.  Returned with a good third in the Memsie then loomed to win the Makybe Diva Stakes before weakening over the concluding stages to finish fourth.  She was only beaten just over a length there but may have struggled to run out the mile.  Should get a gun run in transit here and perhaps she will be a better chance to run the trip the second time around.  Each way claims.

2. Superstorm

Blinkers go back on for Superstorm who won the Feehan Stakes two starts ago.  Was no match for Zaaki in the Underwood last start but wasn’t disgraced finishing 3.75 lengths behind him.  Should be peaking fourth up.  Expecting him to run well – he finished 3rd in this race last year.

3. Sierra Sue

Five year old mare racing in a rich vain of form.  She has won three out of her last four, including the Sir Rupert Clarke here last start and was luckless on the other occasion.    Should get the right run again here for Daniel Moor but meets the favourite I’m Thunderstruck 3.5 kg worse off at the weights.  One of the chances.

4. Elephant

Won a benchmark 84 here first up, then was beaten a nose in the Feehan Stakes on September 4, then was dominant winning the Sandown Stakes last time out.  Maps in a great spot in behind the speed for Damian Lane and is another who should be peaking fourth up.  Rates highly.

5. Lunar Fox

2021 Australian Guineas winner.  His two runs back have been plain but it wouldn’t shock to see him improve with the blinkers going back on.  Consider for multiples.

6. Dice Roll

Looked the winner of the Sir Rupert Clarke before Sierra Sue mowed him down late.  He was nine weeks between runs into that so will no doubt have derived good benefit from the run.  He maps behind the leader here from barrier 1.  Live chance.

7. Harbour Views

Produced a powerful finish to win the Tontonan Stakes at Flemington first up.  Just fair when doing a bit wrong last start.  Goes well at the distance but gets no favours drawing barrier 14.

8. Quantum Mechanic

Improved second up to run third in the Stocks Stakes at Moonee Valley.  Third up on her home track looks favourable here.  Consider for multiples.

9. Aysar

Is on the quick back up after finishing sixth at Flemington last week.  Couldn’t back him off that effort but did run well in the Sir Rupert Clarke prior.  In the mix.

10. Irish Flame

Ran well at Moonee Valley first up at a price, then battled away in the Sir Rupert Clarke last start.  The step to 1600m suits but he needs to improve.

11. I’m Thunderstruck

Exiting four year old gelding from the Price & Kent stable.  After dominant wins at Flemington and Moonee Valley in July he was sensationally backed in the Sir Rupert Clarke coming off a six week break.  He was last on the turn in that and despite copping a massive bump motored to the line to finish third.  Strips fitter here and meets some key rivals better at the weights.  Hard to beat.

12. So You Assume

Four year old mare racing in a rich vein of form.  She has won her last three including the Stocks Stakes at Moonee Valley last start.  Looks likely to find the lead again here and has “no weight” on her back.

13. Second Slip

Won two in a row to begin this preparation, then ran a brave second in the Balaklava Cup after doing too much work from a wide gate.  Maps to settle in the first couple here with 52kg.  Place chance.

14. Embolism

Jumped out really well leading into a slashing third first up at Sandown.  Rises sharply in grade here but has plenty of upside and a light weight.  Roughie with a chance.

The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.

Jo’s Tips	Lewis’ Tips
4. Elephant	11. I’m Thunderstruck
11. I’m Thunderstruck	6. Dice Roll
3. Sierra Sue	4. Elephant
12. So You Assume	2. Superstorm

Result	Horse	Margin
1st	11. I’m Thunderstruck
2nd	1. Tofane	0.75 length
3rd	2. Superstorm	1.5 lengths
4th	8. Quantum Mechanic	2 lengths

The track was rated as Good 3.

Scratchings: 7. Harbour Views, 9. Aysar.