2021 Alister Clark Stakes Race Details

Race 5 at Moonee Valley on Saturday 13th March 2021.

The Alister Clarke Stakes is a 2040 metre set weights race for three-year-olds run by the Moonee Valley Racing Club in March. It is held at Moonee Valley as part of the Melbourne Autumn Racing Carnival.

You can read more about the race history, lead-up races and past winners on the Alister Clark Stakes page.

Alister Clark Stakes 2021 Preview

Track: Good-Soft?   Weather: Showers

A field of nine three year-olds are set to line up for the Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes.  There are five geldings, three colts and one filly in this years field.  Ciaron Maher & David Eustace are the only trainers with multiple runners.  The early favourite in the betting is Patrick Payne’s Cherry Tortoni.  He won the Moonee Valley Vase here in the spring and has run two cracking races this time in.  Parure is the loan filly in this years race.  She progressed quickly from winning a benchmark 70 at Sandown to winning the Group 2 Autumn Stakes at Caulfield last start.

Young Werther finished third in last years Victoria Derby and is racing like a horse looking for 2000m and beyond.  Beltoro was strong late in the Australian Guineas and gets blinkers for the first time.  Grandslam ran third in last years Caulfield Guineas and Explosive Jack won the Tasmanian Derby last start over 2200m by 3.75 lengths.  The remaining runners are longer than $20-1.

Alister Clark Stakes Runner by Runner

1. Cherry Tortoni

Stormed home to run second in the Australian Guineas.  He won the Moonee Valley Vase this track/distance in the spring.  Looks set to peak third up and should be able to settle closer from the better draw.  The one they have to beat.

2. Young Werther

He improved second up to run fifth in the Autumn Stakes.  He wanted to lay in but was making solid ground late.  In the mix here.

3. Grandslam

They’ve ridden him cold at both runs this prep and he has not been sighted.  He lead them up in the Caulfield Guineas in October and held on for a place, so suspect with Kah going on they may try ride him forward here.

4. Beltoro

We made him a black booker after a strong performance in the Australian Guineas.  Only Cherry Tortoni ran a faster last 200m.  He gets blinkers here and is racing like a horse that will eat up 2000m.  He has a good each way chance.

5. Explosive Jack

Rounded them up in the Tasmanian Derby.  Comes back in trip here but his performance was dominant.  From the right camp!

6. Prince Romany

Loved his last 50 m when winning a Pakenham Class 1 last time out.  The second horse has since won.  He is a roughie with a chance here.

7. Comanche Brave

Started favourite here in a benchmark 70 last start and ran fifth.  Looks out classed here.

8. Mr Pocket

Was beaten three lengths first up at Murray Bridge.  Can’t recommend off that.

9. Parure

The only filly in the race.  She has won three of her last four which includes the Autumn Stakes last time.  One of the each way chances.

Alister Clark Stakes 2021 Tips

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

Jo’s Tips
Lewis’ Tips
1. Cherry Tortoni 4. Beltoro
2. Young Werther 1. Cherry Tortoni
9. Parure 3. Grandslam
5. Explosive Jack 9. Parure

Previews for other races this week

Feature Race All Star Mile 2021 (Moonee Valley 1600m)

2021 Alister Clark Stakes Results

The track was rated as Good 3.

Scratchings were – 8. Mr Pocket

Result Horse Margin
1st 3.  Grandslam
2nd 2. Young Werther 6.3 lengths
3rd 5. Explosive Jack 7.1 lengths
4th 1. Cherry Tortoni 7.3 lengths