The last occasion Sepals and Von Hauke competed, they secured second and third placings in a Group 1 event in Brisbane.
These two are now set for another Group 1 challenge, this time in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield this Saturday.
In June, Sepals and Von Hauke finished second and third respectively behind Spicy Martini on a heavy track in the Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm. Following this, they enjoyed a break in Queensland.
During the Stradbroke, they occupied adjacent stalls, numbers 16 and 17. On Saturday, they again have neighbouring barriers: Sepals in five and Von Hauke in six.
Trainer Cliff Brown has often been troubled by poor draws for this pair, particularly in Group races, forcing them to settle back and race conservatively. However, Saturday might present a different scenario, especially for Von Hauke.
“He’s more tractable now Von Hauke,” Brown stated. “He can be handy, but he hasn’t drawn well in the past which has cost him. Sepals can go forward, go back, it depends on how he jumps. They will both come on for the run, which is normal for my horses.”
Sepals has the opportunity to become the first horse since Testa Rossa in 1999-2000 to win consecutive Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes titles.
Last year, under Craig Williams, Sepals overcame a slow start and barrier 14 to claim the Group 1 prize with 52kg.
This year, Sepals carries 56.5kg and will be ridden by Ethan Brown. Harry Coffey, who partnered Von Hauke in Brisbane, retains the ride on Saturday.
Brown has followed a similar preparation for both horses, including two jump-outs each.
Von Hauke’s most recent jump-out was at Caulfield Heath in early September, while Sepals had a jump-out at Sandown last week.
“They’ll both be fit enough for 1400 metres, but with improvement to come,” Brown commented. “Vonnie is very good. He’s interesting. He’s quite a gross horse but comes on quite quick. He’s had a couple of gallops since his last jump-out while I trialled Sepals last week, a bit closer to the race. He won first-up last year, but he was scratched two weeks earlier because he went off in the gates and hit his head. That’s why he had that extra trial last year and that’s why I’ve trialled him a bit closer to Saturday because he can get that bit fresh.”
Saturday’s Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield is shaping up to be a thrilling contest; explore the latest Australian betting sites for the best odds.