NewsBite

Runner-by-runner analysis and tips for 2024 Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes

Here is our runner-by-runner guide for Saturday’s renewal of the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield.

Jett Hatton
4 min read
November 15, 2024 - 6:30AM
Charm Stone showed good improvement second-up. Picture: Scott Barbour / Racing Photos
Charm Stone showed good improvement second-up. Picture: Scott Barbour / Racing Photos

Saturday’s renewal of the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield has drawn a field of 16 and we’ve analysed the chances of every runner.

■ ■ ■ ■ ■

1 – SOUTHPORT TYCOON

Dual Group 1 winner and the top weight for Saturday’s renewal of this race. Still don’t know how he ran down Growing Empire to win the Manikato Stakes and two runs since have been solid. Made good ground late in the Golden Eagle, finishing three lengths off the winner, a strong formline to follow into this.

Verdict: Fairly treated at the weights but has class.

2 – PRIVATE EYE (scratched)

3 – TUVALU

Spelled in Queensland after he had to be scratched from the Stradbroke Handicap, so this horse hasn’t been sighted since he won the Wangoom in May. A genuine Group 1 performer that flies first-up (8:4-1-1) and enjoys 1400m (7:3-1-1). Not getting any younger but it’s hard to rule him out. The carpark draw will make things harder.

Verdict: Each-way chance.

4 – ANOTHER WIL

Has been found out at Group 1 level twice with both contests run over a mile. Is he just a level below or does the 1600m see him out at that level? Every chance two back in the Toorak Handicap before bouncing back in style to win the Group 2 Damien Oliver at 1400m. He is four from five at the distance and two for two at the track and trip.

Verdict: Has a few questions to answer but he’s in the mix.

5 – GENTLEMAN ROY

Able to recapture his best throughout 2024, winning three races and running third to Pinstriped and Mr Brightside in the Memsie Stakes at the track and distance. Did finish first across the line in the 2022 Group 1 CF Orr Stakes before losing that race on protest. Will punch forward to sit on speed and give his all.

Verdict: Will be in the top three at the top of the straight but unsure if he can hang on.

6 – CLIMBING STAR

Surprise Group 1 winner of the Robert Sangster Stakes during the Adelaide carnival and has had two runs this time in. This is her third crack at 1400m and you couldn’t say that she won’t run it out off what we have seen in a small sample size.

Verdict: Place chance.

7 – JIMMYSSTAR

Lost his boom at the back-end of the autumn carnival but returned with a bang this spring, winning two straight before finishing second to Another Wil at Flemington. Gets a 1.5kg weight swing in his favour and is also drawn to be a bit closer in the run this time after being handed the inside barrier. Undefeated in three starts at Caulfield.

Verdict: Ticks boxes.

8 – KIMOCHI

Honest mare that won first-up win in Sydney in a weak form race and has been OK at her four subsequent runs. Only Tuvalu will step from a wider barrier.

Verdict: A win would surprise.

9 – BUFFALO RIVER

The old warhorse nearly stole the win last time out in the Moonga Stakes after doing plenty of work early to find the front. He’s going to have to do something similar here from barrier 12 in a much tougher race. Is winless in 11 starts at Group 1 level but he’ll be in front for a good portion of the race.

Verdict: One for the wider exotics.

10 – CHARM STONE

Her trial in the lead-up to her return was poor before she was OK on resumption. But she showed plenty of improvement in the Rising Fast Stakes when a slow start might have cost her the race. Went on to finish third alongside subsequent winner Rey Magnerio. Has raced at Group 1 level and the 1400m on one occasion when fifth in the Golden Rose and she never really got a clear shot at them. If she improves again, Charm Stone will give this a big shake.

Verdict: Strong chance at a double figure price.

11 – CHRYSAOR

Trainer Chris Waller thinks this horse is much better going the Melbourne way and he showed that when winning first-up at Flemington. Outclassed in two subsequent runs in the Epsom Handicap and Golden Eagle.

Verdict: Has to improve.

12 – ROLL ON HIGH

Solid return in The Invitation when finishing midfield. All three of her wins have been at 1400m but has found Group 1 level beyond her in three starts.

Verdict: Has to lift.

13 – RUN HARRY RUN

Lightly raced galloper that faces his toughest test to date. Nothing from his three runs this time in suggest he’s up to Group 1 class. Gets blinkers on for the first time.

Verdict: Hard to have.

14 – STEPARTY

Drew plenty of attention as a three-year-old when winning his first five starts but he’s yet to get another since. Did show plenty of improvement last time out when up to 1400m and finishing third to Another Wil. Like Jimmystar, Steparty gets a 1.5kg weight swing on Another Wil, but he’s a much longer price than the two.

Verdict: Can run well at a price.

15 – WAR MACHINE

If you consider Southport Tycoon a chance, then this horse has to come into calculations as well. Finished alongside him in the Golden Eagle but is much more suited under handicap conditions, carrying 52kg here. Drawn well from barrier four with Declan Bates aboard.

Verdict: Don’t dismiss.

16 – BITTERCREEK

The lone three-year-old in the race. Ran OK last time out in the Coolmore Stud Stakes when eighth behind Switzerland and hit the line like the extra trip will suit. Did finish second to Broadsiding as a two-year-old in the JJ Atkins.

Verdict: Not the worst at a big price.

■ ■ ■ ■ ■

JETT HATTON’S SIR RUPERT CLARKE STAKES TIPS
1st – CHARM STONE (No. 10)
2nd – JIMMYSTAR (No. 7)
3rd – ANOTHER WIL (No. 4)
4th – TUVALU (No. 3)

Originally published as Runner-by-runner analysis and tips for 2024 Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes

Add your comment to this story

To join the conversation, please Don't have an account? Register

Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout

More related stories

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/horse-racing/tips/runnerbyrunner-analysis-and-tips-for-2024-group-1-sir-rupert-clarke-stakes/news-story/be2ac273dd992e85678e258794f24545