2020 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes Preview and Tips

A capacity field has been assembled to contest the 2020 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield, with Behemoth looking to make it back-to-back Group 1s at The Heath.

The track is predicted to be a Good 4, with the rail out 3 metres. The track played fairly last meeting, fingers crossed we see that again on Saturday.

1 – Behemoth – $4.60 ???

I was looking for angles around this bloke, but it’s hard to knock him. Got a peach of a ride from Williams in the Memsie win, using the gate and settling forward before using that powerful turn of foot. Drawn perfectly here and we’re getting a better price in a field that isn’t much better. Punters may be put off by the 60kg, but it’s only 1kg more than last outing, and he’s only giving 6kg to the bottom weights due to the COVID weight scale. Very tough to go past.

The big boy BEHEMOTH wins his first Group 1 – @mmsnippets Memsie Stakes @GrandSyndicates @DJollyRacing @VineryStud @CWilliamsJockey pic.twitter.com/sDjXBXaSGo

— 7HorseRacing ? (@7horseracing) August 29, 2020

2 – Streets Of Avalon – $26

I’ve got a lot of time for this galloper, but he’s drawn the car park yet again, a shocking spot for the 1400m at Caulfield where you’re forced to climb the hill straight away. Will battle on and make his own luck, but may spend too many tickets early.

3 – Begood Toya Mother – $21 ??

Gave it a good look in the Memsie Stakes before running out of gas late. Has drawn perfectly and will be better for the run and approaching full fitness. Wouldn’t shock me to see him serve it up to Behemoth and is a must for exotics at the price.

4 – Cascadian – $13 ??

Fourth in both the P.B. Lawrence and the Memsie at this track and trip, and is now third up ready to win. Tricky gate for Oliver, he may be getting a long way back, and you don’t want to be giving Behemoth a big head start. Should be in the finish and in all exotics.

5 – Superstorm – $11 ?

This is a proper horse, but the wide gate is enough for me to look elsewhere. Will be getting a long way back but should be flying home late. Probably looking for further and I’d be keen to back him over the mile third up.

6 – Dollar For Dollar – $31 ??

Has a stack of ability on his day and is now third up after over a year away from the track. Draws to box seat on the rail and should get a very nice run. Would include in exotics at the big price.

7 – Madam Rouge – $20

Thought she resumed well in the Cockram and obviously has Group 1 ability with her second place in the Stradbroke in the winter. Was keen to find her, but she’ll be lining up next to Caulfield station at gate 20, doing her no favours.

8 – Mandela Effect – $51

Stack of ability and I’m keen to follow him throughout the preparation, but this looks tough with the inside draw. May get buried several pairs back on the fence.

9 – Reykjavik – $31

Likes the distance and is a handy horse on its day. Hard to make a genuine case here at Group 1 level.

10 – Achernar Star – $51

Should be improving second up with added fitness, but this looks like they’ve aimed too high.

11 – Age Of Chivalry – $10 ??

Lost to a good horse in Showmanship last start but thought it was a disappointing performance. Will have to roll forward and cross from 13 and make its own luck, but I’m happy to be against it here. Will include in exotics.

12 – Debt Agent – $81

Has over $3 million in prize money thanks to a successful career start in Singapore, but has done absolutely nothing down under.

13 – Pretty Brazen – $18 ??

Beating Arcadia Queen is very handy form, and I’ll definitely be including in exotics. Will have to lift again to get it done in Group 1 conditions, but has drawn nicely to present out wide with a drop in weight.

Second Group win for Brazen Beau 4yo PRETTY BRAZEN in the Let’s Elope. @mcevoymitchell @inglis_sales @coolmorestud @DarleyAus @FlemingtonVRC pic.twitter.com/fF4fhIrgYJ

— Pedigree Update (@pedigreeupdate) September 12, 2020

14 – Roheryn – $23 ?

Can’t knock the form with a second behind Everest slot contender Eduardo, as well as a win over Probabeel. If it was 1200m I’d be seriously interested, but not sure how he’ll handle the 1400m here.

15 – Tagaloa – $9 ??

Resumed in the McNeil doing a stack of work in the run. If Walker can push him forward and box seat, he’ll be in this for a long way with the light weight. I’d expect him to start shorter than this on the day so if you like him, I’d take the early price. I’m including in exotics.

16 – Banquo – $11

Won’t mind the step up to 1400m and is rock hard fit and in good form. Just don’t think he quite has the class of some of these.

17e – Harlech – $31

First run in Australia if he can gain a start. Will watch with interest this preparation, with this Kiwi having a Group 2 win and two Group 1 placings next to its name.

18e – I Am Superman – $23

Won well here last start but this is a far higher level of competition, and has to contend with a wide draw… and getting a start.

19e – Gold Fields – $201

Not here.

20e – Runson – $51

Not at this level.

Tip: 1-3-6-13

? = Must Watch
? = Big Winning Chance
?= Worth Including in Exotics

2020 Rupert Clarke Stakes Odds

*Odds correct at the time of publishing this article