A strong field has been assembled for the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) this Saturday at Caulfield, with trainer Ciaron Maher dominating the market.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2024 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes.
2024 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes Speed Map
Looks to be good speed engaged here. Buffalo River is the likely leader but he’ll have pressure on his outside, with Gentleman Roy and the resuming Tuvalu coming across. War Machine and Run Harry Run both draw inside and will want to hold forward spots, which could see Jimmysstar buried on the fence.
2024 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes Runner Preview:
1. Southport Tycoon: The gate, on paper, is tricky, but his run in the Golden Eagle was incredible and his finale from near last was outstanding. If he can get a drag into the race, I thin he’s going well enough to win.
2. Private Eye: SCRATCHED
3. Tuvalu: If he wins, too good, but not for me. First up, drawn the carpark, will be doing a stack of work on speed and I think the white flag will be waved 250m out, perhaps sooner.
4. Another Wil: Another Wil is one of the hardest to beat. He won at Flemington a fortnight back, getting a 12/10 by J Kah and in a driving finish, he was too good. He’s a dynamic horse when right, he’s bursting to win a Group l and I think he gets a great chance here.
5. Gentleman Roy: There is a strong headwind forecast for Saturday so those on speed are going to struggle, notably this guy, who comes off a gutbuster in the Moonga and will be doing work in chasing Buffalo River. Pass for me.
6. Climbing Star: Sneaky roughie for mine. She comes through the Sydney Stakes at Randwick where she just got too far back from the wide gate but worked home with purpose against the race shape. Hard fit now, 1400m, more kind map…she’s a threat.
7. Jimmysstar: Jimmysstar is a ripper for Ciaron Maher. Market really gravitated towards him last time out at Flemington and he tried hard but had no answers late for the finale of stablemate Another Wil. I do think he’s better at Caulfield compared to Another Wil and with a good run in transit, he takes beating.
8. Kimochi: Ridden with intent in the Empire Rose and she tried her guts out but tired late and for mine, that was the Grand Final for her. Not for me here.
9. Buffalo River: Buffalo River will put himself on speed and is dangerous at a price if this track is playing up/in. He ran in the Moonga, looking to win it for the third time. He was on speed and gave a big kick but just couldn’t quite see it through, nabbed late by Mighty Ulysses. He leads and will run an honest race.
10. Charm Stone: She has been pretty good in two runs back but to me, this seems a throw at the stumps for a Group l. Would have been a good thing in the How Now but connections want Group l blacktype on the CV. She seems a risk for mine.
11. Chrysaor: Thrown in the deep end in the Golden Eagle and was outclassed when down the track. I think he saves his best racing Melbourne way and right down in the weights, fast run 1400m, I think he’s dangerous at odds.
12. Roll On High: She’s a good mare, returned well at Randwick, will love a a fast run 1400m…but what are they doing with the jockey booking? Lord help me.
13. Run Harry Run: Should land in a plum spot from the gate but he’s not good enough to trouble these.
14. Steparty: He was there to win at Flemington last time but just couldn’t quite finish the job behind Another Wil and can’t see him turning the tables.
15. War Machine: Thrown in the deep end in the Golden Eagle and ran well but 1500m just found him out. Like him back to 1400m, he maps to get a beaut run in transit and runs well at odds I say.
16. Bittercreek: What are they doing running here? Okay in the Coolmore Stud but he’s not up to these surely?
2024 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes $100 Betting Strategy:
$100 Place Southport Tycoon (Tote))
Group l Strategy Outlay: $2700
Group l Strategy Return: $1547