Two of trainer Cliff Brown’s accomplished Group 1 horses are now back in Melbourne, poised to commence their preparations for the upcoming spring racing season.
Sepals and Von Hauke have enjoyed a well-deserved rest in the warm Queensland climate after securing second and third placings respectively in the prestigious Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm last month.
The pair arrived back in Melbourne earlier this week and are scheduled to begin their training regimen on Monday.
“They spelled well,” Brown stated.
“I visited them a fortnight ago at Newington Farm, and they were in excellent condition.
“It was an extensive campaign, and they faced a heavy track in their last outing, but they will resume training on Monday, and we will proceed from there.”
Brown indicated that plans for the Group 1 victor Sepals remain flexible. However, a potential journey to Sydney for the King Charles III Stakes, which has recently been elevated to Group 2 status, is being considered.
Looking further ahead, the Group 1 Champions Mile (1600m) on the final day of Melbourne Cup week at Flemington is a possible objective.
“The Champions Mile during Cup week if he can handle the mile, but we will need to observe his progress,” Brown commented.
“Perhaps the King Charles, but numerous strong horses are expected to contest that race, and I believe many of the four-year-olds might target The Golden Eagle.
“I suspect Von Hauke could be a strong contender for the Epsom Handicap under handicap conditions over the mile; that would be beneficial.”
Brown highlighted that with just 13 starts to his name, Sepals has yet to reach his full potential, while the now seven-year-old Von Hauke has finally grasped the essence of racing.
“My horses tend to improve as they age,” Brown remarked.
“Sepals has only competed in 12 or 13 races, whereas Von Hauke is nearing seven and remains in superb condition.
“I do not focus heavily on the two-year-olds. I prefer to acquire them at a later stage, allow them ample time, and invest in that type of horse.
“We currently have only 25 horses in training. Two of them achieved success in the Stradbroke, and we have had several other city winners this year, but there are no two-year-olds in the stable.
“It is purely a matter of timing.”
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