Sepals eyes rare Group 1 double in Toorak Handicap

Cliff Brown’s in-form galloper Sepals will attempt to etch his name into history when he lines up in the Toorak Handicap (1600m) at Caulfield on Saturday.

The four-year-old claimed the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) last month and will now try to become the first horse since Trust In A Gust in 2014 to complete the Group 1 double.

After a few quiet days in the paddock, Sepals has bounced back strongly following his tough Sir Rupert Clarke win, where he recovered from a poor start before being driven forward to sit outside the leader.

“He knew he’d had a run for a few days after the Sir Rupert Clarke,” Brown said. “He left a dipper of feed which he never does, and he knew he had had a pretty solid run.”

Ethan Brown reunites with the gelding, who will stay at Mornington for his final preparations.

Brown concedes the mile trip is a small query, noting Sepals’ only attempt was in the Australian Guineas.

“He doesn’t have to win on Saturday, he just needs to run well,” Brown said. “Running for $10 million would also be hard to pass up” — a nod to the Golden Eagle later this spring.

Stay up to date with the latest racing news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest racing news!