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Caulfield is host to a double shot of Group 1 racing this weekend including the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes 2026, and Races.com.au are here with our full preview, tips and best bets for the middle-distance showdown.
A key lead-up to the Toorak Handicap, the Group 1 $1 million Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) has been won by many top gallopers over the years and, unlike in Sydney where the Queen Autumn Glow has scared off all but four of her 7 Stakes rivals, we’ve got a capacity line-up in his handicap clash.
Sitting top of the latest Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes odds at Ladbrokes is Chris Waller‘s rails-drawn Lady Shenandoah ($4.80) who has scratched out of a run against her star stablemate in favour of this assignment further south.
Senior hoop Craig Williams comes aboard the talented five-year-old daughter of Snitzel who is out to be the fourth mare in six years to top the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes results.
Saturday marks her first Caulfield assignment, but her 1400m record is rock solid, and this triple Group 1 winner has the class to return to winning form for the first time since completing the Surround Stakes – Coolmore Classic double as a filly last year.
She has had nine runs since her last turf triumph and, while it’s been a while between drinks, her only run outside the Top 4 in that time was her game The Everest seventh only two lengths off Ka Ying Rising.
Fresh, Lady Shenandoah was terrific at a big price finishing fourth to Autumn Glow in the Group 1 Winx Stakes at Randwick over this distance, which led Kerrin McEvoy to sing her plenty of post first-up praise.
“Really pleased with her,” the hoop said.
“Felt in good shape. Trailed the speed, presented and will improve from the run. In for a lovely prep.”
Despite the size of this year’s Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes field, just three other runners are currently under double figures for the win including the $7 second elect Regal Award for Phillip & Tommy Stokes.
The Ole Kirk gelding makes his four-year-old debut on the weekend and has plenty of upside as a three-time winner from 11 starts to date.
His best win so far came in a Brisbane upset when he beat home Skyhook by a length in the Group 3 Fred Best Classic at Eagle Farm as a 25/1 outsider.
Regal Award then faced an acid test in the Stradbroke and was far from disgraced running a midfield seventh only three lengths off the winner Spicy Martini in a promising effort.
He’s trialled up lovely ahead of his return in Melbourne with back-to-back winning trials and shapes up as a definite danger from a favourable gate four draw for Lachlan Neindorf.
The Waller-trained Angel Capital ($8) and the widely draw Lindsay Park galloper Evaporate ($8.50) round out the single figure fancies.
A dual Group 1 placegetter, Angel Capital ran fourth in last year’s Sir Rupert Clarke and presents fit third-up ready to improve.
He resumed with a Group 2 Missile Stakes third before his Memsie run for 10th behind emphatic winner Beiwacht at this track and trip when found out by the Soft rated track.
With firmer ground this weekend he’s a massive chance to get back on the podium.
Evaporate meanwhile has a nasty gate to overcome but brings winning form into the race with the always honest Per Incanto five-year-old saluting as the odds-on favourite in easier company over 1500m at Sandown second-up off his Group 2 PB Lawrence third to Cosmic Crusader who is favourite in the Underwood Stakes this weekend on the same card.
The other best at Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes odds of $10 meanwhile is the defending Cliff Brown-trained champion Sepals who is out to go back-to-back in the event for the first time since Testa Rossa (1999-2000).
The Calyx gelding loves the Caulfield track having won two from three here to date and is the 1400m specialsit in the mix (6:5-1-0).
He’s drawn ideally and runs for the first time since an excellent second in the Stradbroke but is a horse that usually takes a few to wind up so may need the run.
Other value runners in the mix that loom as good exotics inclusions include Ciaron Maher‘s last start Group 3 Chautauqua Stakes winner Warnie ($10), War Machine ($14) who ran third fresh in the Group 3 The Heath 1100 back up in trip now and Tony & Calvin McEvoy‘s early market mover Yellow Jersey ($16).
The 2026 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes is set to run as Caulfield Race 9 at 4:50pm (AEST) as the penultimate event on Underwood Stakes Day.
2026 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes Best Bets
Favourite: No. 6 Lady Shenandoah
| 6. Lady Shenandoah (1) J: Craig Williams 56kg 342×4 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Dual acceptor. Second run back. First-up after four months 4th of 11 in the G1 Winx Stakes at Randwick on August 22 over 1400m, on a slow track; 4.5 len behind Autumn Glow with 57kg at $19. Previously second-up 3rd of 10 in the G1 Canterbury Stakes at Randwick on March 7 over 1300m, 1.2 len behind Joliestar carrying 57kg at $4.20. Very good mare through the A1 form, any luck and she goes close. | |||
Each Way Danger: No. 3 Sepals
| 3. Sepals (5) J: Ethan Brown 56.5kg 7x02x T: Cliff Brown | |||
| Has won previously first-up and resumes here after a break of three-and-a-half months. Finished off last campaign second of 18 at Eagle Farm in the G1 Stradbroke June 13 over 1400m, on heavy track; 1.1 len behind Spicy Martini carrying 55kg at $31. Previously first up; 14th of 16 at Eagle Farm in the G1 K-Smith Cup May 30 over 1300m, soft track; 6 len behind Headley Grange carrying 59kg at $17. Won this last year, goes in fresh is the niggle but he’s a good horse. | |||
Best Roughie: No. 14 Sun God
| 14. Sun God (2) J: Jye Mcneil 52.5kg x121x T: Chris Waller | |||
| Has won previously first-up and resumes here after a break of 12 weeks. Finished off last preparation won by 0.7 len Eagle Farm LR Tatts Mile Qlty June 27 over 1600m slow track defeating War Eternal carrying 58kg at $2.35. Previous preparation first-up favourite; won by nose Scone LR Luskinstar May 16 over 1300m defeating Point And Shoot carrying 53kg at $15. No weight and drawn low, could be a blowout hope. | |||
Latest Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes 2026 Odds
| 1. Tom Kitten (14) J: Mark Zahra 59kg 117×0 T: Anthony & Sam Freedman | |||
| Second run back. First-up after five months ran second last of 12 in the G1 Memsie Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1400m, on a slow track; 6 len behind Beiwacht carrying 59kg at $26. Previously second-up won by a long-neck in a G1 The All-Star Mile at Flemington on March 7 over 1600m defeating Evaporate carrying 59kg at $3.90. Not the best run fresh, big weight but is a class animal. | |||
| 2. Evaporate (17) J: Blake Shinn 56.5kg 99×31 T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | |||
| Third-up today and won third-up previously. First-up set the pace for much of the race 3rd of 11 in the G2 PB Lawrence Stakes at this track on August 15 over 1400m, on a slow track; 1.5 len behind Cosmic Crusader carrying 59kg at $5. Second run from a spell favourite; won by 1.75 len in a So You Think at Sandown-Hillside on September 5 over 1500m on a soft track defeating Pinstriped carrying 58.5kg at $2.05. So consistent, draw not ideal but should be right there. | |||
| 3. Sepals (5) J: Ethan Brown 56.5kg 7x02x T: Cliff Brown | |||
| Has won previously first-up and resumes here after a break of three-and-a-half months. Finished off last campaign second of 18 at Eagle Farm in the G1 Stradbroke June 13 over 1400m, on heavy track; 1.1 len behind Spicy Martini carrying 55kg at $31. Previously first up; 14th of 16 at Eagle Farm in the G1 K-Smith Cup May 30 over 1300m, soft track; 6 len behind Headley Grange carrying 59kg at $17. Won this last year, goes in fresh is the niggle but he’s a good horse. | |||
| 4. War Machine (18) J: Damian Lane 56.5kg x30x3 T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | |||
| Second run back. First-up after six months 3rd of 8 in a G3 The Heath 1100 Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1100m, on a slow track; 2.75 len behind Oliveanotherday with 59kg at $6. Previously second-up 11th of 14 in the G1 Newmarket Handicap at Flemington on March 7 over 1200m, 4 len behind Caballus carrying 57kg at $13. Solid return, draw not ideal but he’s a class horse on his day. | |||
| 5. Angel Capital (7) J: Ben Melham 56kg 26×30 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Third-up today and placed third-up previously. First-up ran on strongly from last on the turn; 3rd of 7 in the G2 Missile Stakes at Randwick on August 8 over 1200m, 2 len behind Ninja with 57.5kg at $2.20. Second-up 10th of 12 in the G1 Memsie Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1400m, on a slow track; 6 len behind Beiwacht carrying 59kg at $9.50. So frustrating but gets dry track and a good draw – can certainly atone! | |||
| 6. Lady Shenandoah (1) J: Craig Williams 56kg 342×4 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Dual acceptor. Second run back. First-up after four months 4th of 11 in the G1 Winx Stakes at Randwick on August 22 over 1400m, on a slow track; 4.5 len behind Autumn Glow with 57kg at $19. Previously second-up 3rd of 10 in the G1 Canterbury Stakes at Randwick on March 7 over 1300m, 1.2 len behind Joliestar carrying 57kg at $4.20. Very good mare through the A1 form, any luck and she goes close. | |||
| 7. Warnie (3) J: Declan Bates 55kg 08×41 T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Third-up today and won third-up previously. Resuming ran on strongly from last on the turn; 4th of 11 in the LR Regal Roller Stakes at this track on August 15 over 1200m, slow going 1.5 len behind Shadhavar with 59.5kg at $12. Second-up settled well back; won by 1.3 len in the G3 Chautauqua (Chandler Macleod) Stakes at Sandown-Hillside on September 9 over 1300m on a soft track defeating Tennessee Bound with 58kg at $3.70. Found his best form now. Tough win latest and should take holding out. | |||
| 8. Feroce (8) J: Billy Egan 54.5kg 272×5 T: Dominic Sutton | |||
| Second-up. First-up after five months tracked the speed and boxed on steadily 5th of 11 in the G2 PB Lawrence Stakes at this track on August 15 over 1400m, on a slow track; 2.25 len behind Cosmic Crusader with 59kg at $14. Previously second-up ran second last of 8 in the G1 Futurity Stakes at this track on February 21 over 1400m, 4.5 len behind Pericles with 59kg at $10. Dry ground suits and gets in well, right in this. | |||
| 9. Von Hauke (6) J: Harry Coffey 54.5kg 5103x T: Cliff Brown | |||
| First-up. Finished off last preparation third of 18 at Eagle Farm in the G1 Stradbroke June 13 over 1400m, on heavy track; 2 len behind Spicy Martini carrying 53kg at $41. Previously first up; fifth of 15 at this track in the G3 Vic Hcp April 4 over 1400m, 3 len behind Hughes with 57.5kg at $26. Good horse, will be running on. | |||
| 10. Planet Red (10) J: Michael Dee 53.5kg 226×7 T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr | |||
| Second-up. First-up after five months sat behind the speed prior to fading 7th of 12 in the G1 Memsie Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1400m, on a slow track; 4.5 len behind Beiwacht carrying 58.5kg at $51. Previously second-up 2nd of 10 in the G1 Australian Guineas at Flemington on February 28 over 1600m, 0.5 len behind Observer carrying 57kg at $7. Solid return, could sneak a place. | |||
| 11. Sabaj (13) J: Jamie Melham 53kg 244×0 T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr | |||
| Second-up. First-up after five months ran last of 12 in the G1 Memsie Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1400m, slow going 6 len behind Beiwacht with 59kg at $101. Previously second-up 4th of 9 in a G1 The All-Star Mile at Flemington on March 7 over 1600m, 0.7 len behind Tom Kitten with 59kg at $21. Prefer over further. | |||
| 12. Yellow Jersey (16) J: Daniel Stackhouse 53kg 3x2x7 T: Tony & Calvin Mcevoy | |||
| Having second run back today. Last start raced behind the speed prior to fading 7th of 16 in a LR Heatherlie Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1700m, slow going 4.5 len behind Kingswood carrying 59kg at $2.15. At only start last preparation sat on the pace when 2nd of 11 in a LR The Wayne Wilson at Eagle Farm on June 13 over 1600m, on a wet track; long-neck behind War Eternal carrying 59kg at $2.60. Not sure what to do with him back in trip. | |||
| 13. Regal Award (4) J: Lachlan Neindorf 52.5kg 3517x T: Phillip & Tommy Stokes | |||
| Gelding back from a spell of three-and-a-half months. Has placed previously first up from a break. Finished off last preparation seventh of 18 at Eagle Farm in the G1 Stradbroke June 13 over 1400m, on rain affected going; 3.5 len behind Spicy Martini carrying 49.5kg at $8. When resuming last campaign seventh of 14 at Rosehill in the LR Darbymunro March 21 over 1200m, soft track; 3.5 len behind Beskar carrying 56kg at $11. Enigmatic type who maps well (if he jumps), can run well. | |||
| 14. Sun God (2) J: Jye Mcneil 52.5kg x121x T: Chris Waller | |||
| Has won previously first-up and resumes here after a break of 12 weeks. Finished off last preparation won by 0.7 len Eagle Farm LR Tatts Mile Qlty June 27 over 1600m slow track defeating War Eternal carrying 58kg at $2.35. Previous preparation first-up favourite; won by nose Scone LR Luskinstar May 16 over 1300m defeating Point And Shoot carrying 53kg at $15. No weight and drawn low, could be a blowout hope. | |||
| 15. Persian Spirit (9) J: Damien Thornton 52kg 48×24 T: Symon Wilde | |||
| Third-up today and won third-up previously. Resuming 2nd of 11 in the LR Regal Roller Stakes at this track on August 15 over 1200m, on a slow track; long-neck behind Shadhavar carrying 55.5kg at $10. Second run from a spell 4th of 7 in the G3 Chautauqua (Chandler Macleod) Stakes at Sandown-Hillside on September 9 over 1300m, slow going 2 len behind Warnie carrying 54.5kg at $2.70. Well backed last time, can peak third up with no weight. | |||
| 16. Recon (12) J: Patrick Moloney 52kg 60×60 T: Pat Carey & Harris Walker | |||
| Third-up today and won third-up in the past. Resuming 6th of 11 in the LR Regal Roller Stakes at this track on August 15 over 1200m, on a slow track; 2.75 len behind Shadhavar with 56kg at $5.50. Second run from a spell 12th of 14 in the G2 Bobbie Lewis Quality at Flemington on September 12 over 1200m, 3.5 len behind Losesomewinmore carrying 53.5kg at $15. Risking. | |||
| 17. Harry’s Yacht (15) J: Jett Stanley 52kg 234×5 T: L & T Corstens & W Larkin | |||
| Second run back. First-up after three months eased back early on 5th of 8 in a G3 The Heath 1100 Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1100m, on a slow track; 5 len behind Oliveanotherday carrying 57kg at $19. Previously second-up made ground from midfield; 2nd of 10 in a Vg Stockade at Ballarat on December 6 over 1200m, on a slow track; 0.8 len behind Steel Move carrying 59kg at $1.95. This will test. | |||
| 18. Tennessee Bound (11) J: Unknown 52kg 11122 T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| At the latest run led but faded 2nd of 7 in the G3 Chautauqua (Chandler Macleod) Stakes at Sandown-Hillside on September 9 over 1300m, slow going 1.3 len behind Warnie carrying 54kg at $4.20. The run before that came from midfield; 2nd of 7 in a Bm88 at Sandown-Hillside on August 22 over 1300m, on rain affected going; 2.25 len behind Gold Coast Belle with 56.5kg at $2.90. Keeps racing well but have a few ahead. | |||
