Being held up for as long as possible would be perfect scenario for NZ mare Skew Wiff in Sir Rupert Clarke

New Zealand mare Skew Wiff would be perfectly suited in Saturday’s Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes if jockey Craig Williams can keep the four-year-old boxed up for as long as possible.

Skew Wiff wins the The Hong Kong Jockey Club Stakes at Flemington. Picture: Reg Ryan–Racing Photos via Getty Images

Being held up on the rail for most of the race won’t be the worst thing for Kiwi Group 1 winner Skew Wiff in Saturday’s Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield.

Skew Wiff won the Group 1 Tarzino Trophy in New Zealand three starts back and is a $12 chance to become a winner at the highest level on both sides of the Tasman in Saturday’s $1 million contest.

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The Mark Walker-trained mare will return to Group 1 level a winner after a strong win under 59kg at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day.

Te Akau Racing’s Melbourne representative Ben Gleeson said the camp would love to see Skew Wiff drawn as close to the rail as possible to give her the opportunity to produce her sharp sprint.

The Group 3 Hong Kong Jockey Club Stakes goes to SKEW WIFF!

📽 @10SportAU | #MelbourneCuppic.twitter.com/JBmV058DV6

— Victoria Racing Club (@FlemingtonVRC) November 7, 2023

“They key to her is drawing a soft barrier,” Gleeson said.

“We saw in that win last week, when she has to work and not get a pull into it, she’s not very versatile. She has to be snookered up behind horses and allowed to have the last crack at them.

“When she won the Tarzino, she had cover and when the gap comes, she has a really good sprint on her.

“We want to keep that held up our sleeve.”

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Skew Wiff will tackle the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes 11 days after her Flemington success in the Group 3 Hong Kong Jockey Club Stakes (1400m).

Gleeson said the shorter break would also be a positive for the Savabeel mare.

“I think the Rupert Clarke being at the end of spring has worked in our favour, especially with this mare,” Gleeson said.

“She goes into it off the back of a win and she takes a lot of work fitness-wise in screwing her down.

“The week-and-a-half since her last race really suits her.

“The harder you work her, the better off she is.”

Craig Williams will ride Skew Wiff as her regular rider Opie Bosson is required for Group 1 races in New Zealand on Saturday.

Originally published as Being held up for as long as possible would be perfect scenario for NZ mare Skew Wiff in Sir Rupert Clarke