Toorak Handicap Tips - Can Sepals chalk up rare Group 1 double with victory in Toorak?

Sepals is out to complete the coveted Sir Rupert Clarke–Toorak double, a feat not achieved since Trust In A Gust in 2014. The Cliff Brown-trained galloper was tough as nails in the Rupert Clarke, recovering from a poor start and a wide run to claim a gutsy win under Craig Williams. 

Four of the field of 11 come out of the recent Group 1, including Feroce. The Australin Guineas (1600m) winner had the upper hand over Sepals the last time they clashed over the distance and is 3kg better at the weights. 

Three runners come out of the Sandown Stakes (1500m) that was taken out by Evaporate. The Team Hayes galloper overcome a wide run and heavy weight and could be the horse peaking at the right time.  

Transatlantic, Lazzura and Leica Lucy are other contenders in single figure odds. The Toorak has a history of producing surprise results and Damask Rose, Willydoit, Athanatos, Desert Lightning and Pinstriped are well and truly in contention. 

Pace could be a bit muddling here as we lack a natural leader but there are a few that like to settle in the first few, including Transatlantic and Desert Lightning. Leica Lucy might push across, while Feroce draws barrier 4 and can be handy. Alongside him is Sepals, who can also enjoy a perfect trail. Pinstriped and Damask Rose are amongst the backmarkers. 

Going with Sepals to create a slice of history by claiming the Toorak Handicap, becoming a rare winner to do the Rupert Clarke/Toorak double. His win in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes was enormous — missing the start badly, being driven forward to sit outside the leader, and still proving too strong in the finish. The 1600m trip is the obvious talking point, but there’s enough in his Australian Guineas run — when he finished 4th behind Feroce — to suggest he can handle it with a kinder run in transit. In the autumn, he was five very deep into his preparation but this time around he should have improvement to come third up. He can settle closer, conserving more energy than in the Rupert Clarke and if he relaxes early, his turn of foot and sustained strength can make the step from 1400 m to the mile look seamless.

While the Rupert Clarke Stakes does look the reference with the winner, Sepals, going a very healthy 15.8 lengths faster than standard benchmark, Willydoit brings a bit of X-factor. He was a late scratching from the Epsom Handicap last weekend and at his only start of his current preparation, he drew very wide in the Tramway Stakes (1400m) and was forced back then raced keenly in the middle stages before striking traffic in the straight. He closed off with the fastest last 200m and will relish the step up to the mile. The New Zealand Group 1 winner is two from two at the distance and while he draws wide again, he should enjoy a race that might be run to suit.