Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes Tips - Complete guide to the Caulfield Group 1
- Runner-by-Runner Guide to the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes
- Magic Time heads the betting
- Who will take out the Caulfield Group 1?
The Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes is a Group 1 race run over 1400m at Caulfield racecourse under handicap conditions.
First run in 1951, it has been won by some great horses including Manikato (1978), Encosta De Lago (1996) and Exceed And Excel (2003).
We have completed our homework and offer our thoughts on every single runner below and the best odds from BoomBet.
1. Vilana (1)
The only representative for Godolphin in this Group 1 is five-year-old Vilana who has seven wins from 17 career race starts and will be lumped with the top weight.
He was beaten under three lengths first up in the Sydney Stakes and then just over a length at Group 2 level at Flemington during cup week.
Will be ready to peak now and gives Damien Oliver his last chance at Group 1 glory in Melbourne.
2. I Am Me (10)
What a consistent mare she has been, winning nine of her 17 career starts including the Sydney Stakes and Missile Stakes so far this prep.
Was no match for Imperatriz in the Group 1 Manikato Stakes at The Valley but that is nothing to be ashamed about.
She’s only had one go at 1400m where she was unplaced which is a concern, but she always gives her all and her best is good enough.
3. Straight Acer (4)
A very progressive son of Headwater who put together three wins in a row to earn a shot at a higher grade of racing.
Was narrowly denied in the Silver Eagle and then finished within 1.3 lengths of the winner in the Golden Eagle.
That form looks good for this event and he’s drawn perfectly in barrier four.
4. Bandersnatch (3)
Has been excellent right throughout this prep without winning but almost got the chocolates at Group 2 level at headquarters during cup week.
It has been a while since he has carried 55kg so the horse will not know himself and if there is one at a big price that surprises, it could be this horse.
5. Skew Wiff (12)
This daughter of Savabeel is a Group 1 winner in New Zealand over 1400m and stack full of talent.
She was a little plain when making her Australian racing debut in the Group 2 Tristarc but proved her ability by winning a Group 3 at Flemington last week.
She drops 4kgs on that effort and looks massive overs at her current price.
6. The Inferno (7)
Finished midfield in both the Moir Stakes and Manikato behind Imperatriz, both at Group 1 level.
His only win in Australia came way back in September 2021 which is concerning.
Won his only start at 1400m but that was back in Singapore and he’d need to improve to be a chance in this.
7. Ayrton (6)
Got the job done at Listed level first up, albeit by a small margin but was not beaten far at Group 2 level at his next run.
Drops 2kg for that effort into this and he is unbeaten in four attempts at the track and distance.
8. Zoutori (2)
The now eight-year-old gelding is not going as well as he once did and has not placed in his last 12 race starts.
9. Buffalo River (19)
Has won two of his last three heading into this including a win in the Group 3 Moonga Stakes at this track and distance.
He’s as tough as the day is long but the fact is that he has just one placing from seven attempts at Group 1 level.
Can cross over from the wide draw and lead but there will be plenty coming late!
10. Chain Of Lightning (11)
Has been really competitive at the top level of racing without winning.
Dropped down in grade at Flemington last start and while she was beaten only just over a length, many expected more from her.
She drops considerably in weight and is one I would be keeping safe in multiples.
11. Magic Time (15)
A really progressive and lightly raced mare who has managed four wins from just seven career starts.
Not a lot went right for her in The Invitation at Randwick last start where she raced wide without cover and was bumped a couple of times at a crucial stage.
Will need to overcome a difficult draw but she’s flying and right in this with just 53.5kg.
12. Munhamek (18)
Should have won first up at Flemington in the Group 2 Damien Oliver but was held up at a vital stage.
He savaged the line late to be beaten half a length and he drops 2kg for that effort.
The barrier gods have not been favourable to him and while he will need luck, he represents grate value at his current price.
13. Cause For Concern (8)
Has had 11 starts during this campaign that start back in May, including four wins.
The latest of those wins came in the Group 2 Damien Oliver at Flemington. Will carry the same weight and needs it dry.
14. General Beau (16)
Found plenty late when scoring at Flemington on Champions Day and is on the quick back up for this event.
Has always raced really well here at Caulfield but this is his first go out to 1400m.
Can land on the speed from the wide barrier and give Linda Meech a sight.
15. Crosshaven (5)
Was narrowly denied when resuming at Flemington over 1200m behind Spacewalk at Group 3 level.
Two of his six career wins have been second up and two have been here at Caulfield.
I’m unsure he is capable of winning a race of this quality but the 52.5kg will help his chances.
16. Wrote To Arataki (13)
This lightly raced five-year-old mare has been racing really well right throughout this prep and she was rewarded with a win in the Group 2 Tristarc Stakes at this track and distance last start.
She drops 4.5kgs for that win into this and there’s no doubt she is a progressive type with plenty of upside.
17. Not An Option (9) (1st Emergency)
Has been well beaten in his last three and has failed to place in four attempts at Caulfield.
18. Military Expert (17) (2nd Emergency)
Has had four trials leading into this first up assignment, the latest was a 3.5 length win.
Has been gelded since we last saw him and the blinkers go on.
19.Umgawa (14) (3rd Emergency)
Has never competed at a level close to this and despite racing consistently right at the moment, looks outclassed.
Verdict
SELECTIONS
1st: No. 11 Magic Time
2nd: No. 12 Munhamek
3rd: No. 3 Straight Acer
4th: No. 4 Bandersnatch
2nd: No. 12 Munhamek
3rd: No. 3 Straight Acer
4th: No. 4 Bandersnatch
Magic Time
Each-Way
@16/5 - 2 Units
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