The Toorak Handicap is shaping up as an attractive option for gun New Zealand expat Callsign Mav who was good winning his first Group 1 down under in the 2022 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes.

Callsign Mav posted his first Group 1 down under and fourth overall in the 2022 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes results. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.

The Danny O’Brien-trained Atlante gelding was a three-time Group 1 winner across the Tasman before his run in last year’s $5 million Cox Plate (2400m) when seventh behind State Of Rest.

Transferring to the O’Brien stable ahead of the autumn, Callsign Mav raced in top company including his 11^th to Zaaki in the $5 million All-Star Mile (1600m) in March.

Improving on a sixth to The Everest contender Snapdancer in the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) first-up, he was back to his best in handicap company for the Group 1 $1 million Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m).

“He’s a three-time Group 1 winner in New Zealand, so he’s done it at the top level over there,” O’Brien told Racing.com after collecting his 23^rd Group 1.

“Softer conditions today and a softer race. He’s a tough racehorse.

“It’s great to see him a Group 1 winner in Australia as well.”

A lovely placement from O’Brien saw Callsign Mav appreciate coming back to 57.5kg after recent runs with more at weight-for-age.

After working so hard to get down in weight, jockey Jamie Mott was rewarded with his well-deserved first Group 1 winning ride aboard the $16 outsider.

Good on the Heavy (9) course, the eventual Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes winner was settled fourth wide on the turn for home having sat just off the pace throughout.

Buffalo River led the field around taking up a clear lead mid-race, while the favourite Tuvalu for Lindsey Smith was on speed in second.

The front running Buffalo River held his lead onto the straight and was joined by Tuvalu with 200m to go.

Running on well down the outside was Callsign Mav who went up the middle to win from the fast-finishing Peter & Paul Snowden-trained I Am Superman ($15), the runner-up second again after his placing in the Group 2 P.B. Lawrence Stakes.

Beaten favourite Tuvalu ($4F) held for third to round out the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes trifecta.

O’Brien confirmed plans to potentially target the Group 1 $1 million Toorak Handicap (1600m) on October 8 with Callsign Mav on Caulfield Guineas Day.

“We’ll just see, but Callsign Mav would potentially be in the Toorak,” he said.

Trust In A Gust (2014) was the last horse to do the Sir Rupert Clarke – Toorak Handicap double.

Updated all-in 2022 Toorak Handicap odds at Ladbrokes.com.au have Callsign Mav at $11 to be the next.

Click here for the latest Toorak Handicap betting markets.

2022 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes Results & Finishing Order

Table Credit: Racing Australia.