Following over three years of dedication, trainer Cliff Brown anticipates reaping the benefits with Von Hauke.

The Group 3 Victoria Handicap (1400m) at Caulfield this Saturday marks Von Hauke’s initial appearance this preparation, potentially opening doors to overseas journeys, though interstate raids seem more probable.

Since debuting in January 2023, Von Hauke has proven to be his own biggest obstacle.

Brown would describe it as ‘kid’s stuff’, doing things wrong in his races, playing up in his paddock to the extent the son of Savabeel required surgery for a jaw injury.

Von Hauke has challenged Brown’s tolerance as the trainer struggled to secure sufficient starts per campaign from the gelding, yet now he believes the six-year-old has finally matured.

In prior preparations, Brown launched Von Hauke from 1100m, including twice at Caulfield, where the gelding lingered at the rear before closing late.

However, with increased age and development, Brown feels the 1400m distance merits a trial.

“The reason has been he’s been such a hard going horse, but he seems to have grown up a lot lately,” Brown said.

“It may not work, but he seems a lot better in himself and not wanting to overdo things as badly as he has in the past.

“Hopefully, at this trip he can be handier and when he does get to the races, he is a lot more grown up.

“He’s come up very good but first-up at the 1400 (metres), he will improve.

“He had a great prep last time with the only failure he had was on that bottomless track on Champions Day, but bar that, he’s really well.”

Von Hauke secured victory in the Crystal Mile at Moonee Valley last October prior to finishing sixth behind Ceolwulf in the Champions Mile at Flemington on November 8.

After Saturday’s effort, possibilities include a venture to Hong Kong for the Champions Mile at Sha Tin on April 26, or staying domestic with eyes on Brisbane and the Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm in June.

Brown described it as a ‘throw at the stumps’ idea to nominate for Hong Kong.

“Hong Kong is not ruled in, it’s not ruled out, but it also depends on what is going to run up there,” Brown said.

“The horse is in good shape, so we’ll see how he goes, but he might go to Brisbane. The Stradbroke could be on the agenda if he’s good enough.”

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