The Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes is one of Caulfield’s most exciting early-spring handicaps, and Races.com.au readers are already diving into the latest Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes odds and key Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes betting tips as the sprinter / milers line up. Run over 1400 metres, this Group 1 consistently produces big fields, fast tempos and genuine value for punters thanks to its handicap conditions, making it a favourite for those chasing early-spring upsets and market movers. With proven performers, emerging talents and in-form runners from powerhouse stables all converging on Caulfield, the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes delivers high-pressure racing and form that often stacks up right through the carnival — giving punters a crucial read on which horses are ready to peak and which are climbing towards bigger spring targets.

Stay tuned for the official 2026 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes results and finishing order.

• 1st: TBD
• 2nd: TBD
• 3rd: TBD

Winning Margin: TBD

Winning Time: TBD

Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes Tips

Stay tuned for our insider Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes 2026 Tips on the spring Group 1 handicap this season.

Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes News

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The Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m), a significant spring handicap, moved back from mid-November to its former position on Underwood Day in September as of 2025. This relocation once again made the September meeting a feature Group 1 double-header with the Underwood Stakes and rened its established link with the Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m), which takes place three weeks later on Caulfield Guineas Day.

The Sir Rupert Clarke is now once again a good lead-up to the Toorak, and from 2012 – 2016 all four Toorak Handicap winners had their final lead-up in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes including Trust In A Gust (2014) who did the double.

The Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes is a 1400m sprint offering $1,000,000 in prize money and is run under quality handicap conditions.

The 2021 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes form was franked with the third placegetter I’m Thunderstruck going on to win the Toorak Handicap and Sydney’s The Golden Eagle (1500m) at his next two starts. In 2022 the third-placed Tuvalu franked the form improving to win the Toorak Handicap next start before a second in that year’s Group 1 Champions Mile (1600m) at Flemington over the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

The 2023 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes form was franked with the winner Magic Time returning in the autumn to win Sydney’s Group 1 All Aged Stakes. The form out of the 2024 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes, held in November, was franked by the runner-up Another Wil who returned the following autumn to win the Group 1 CF Orr Stakes in 2025.

2026 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes Betting

The season’s Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes 2026 odds and betting markets will be available at Ladbrokes.com.au and provided here at Races.com.au leading up to the event.

Behemoth ($3.80 in 2020) and Magic Time ($4.80 in 2023) are the latest favourites in Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes betting to salute.

There was a notable upset in 2022 with Callsign Mav winning his fourth Group 1 and first on Aussie soil at $15 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes odds, and again in 2024 with Kimochi at a $26 starting price.

Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes Field

2026 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes Form

The Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes form guide is the key resource Races.com.au punters use to break down every runner in Caulfield’s high-pressure 1400m handicap. Because this Group 1 consistently attracts big fields, fast tempos and genuine betting value, the form guide helps you compare class, weight, speed, and tactical setup to identify which horses are positioned to strike and which may be disadvantaged under the handicap conditions.

What Punters Should Look for in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes Form Guide:

• Handicap weights — One of the most important factors. Lightly weighted runners often get a big advantage in fast run 1400m handicaps.
• 1400m form — Proven sprinter/milers with strong recent form at the trip are typically well suited.
• Barrier draws — Caulfield’s tighter turns make inside and midfield gates valuable, especially for on-pace runners.
• Speed map — Identifying leaders, on-pacers and swoopers is crucial in a race that often features a hot tempo.
• Track conditions — Some runners excel on firm ground, while others improve sharply on soft going.
• Stable patterns — Top trainers regularly target this race with horses peaking third-up or off strong lead-up runs.
• Lead-up races — Traditional form references include the Memsie Stakes, Regal Roller Stakes and PB Lawrence Stakes.
• Market movement — Early firmers often indicate favourable maps, strong trackwork or stable confidence.

FULL 2026 SIR RUPERT CLARKE STAKES FORM GUIDE

2026 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes Nominations

Nominations for the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes close the Monday of race week and will be published below once announced.

2026 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes Final Field

The Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes field attracts a quality line-up of middle-distance gallopers each spring that may have had a lead-up run in a race like the Group 1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) at the same track / distance earlier in the season.

Behemoth (2020) became the first Memsie Stakes – Sir Rupert Clarke double winner since 2004.

In 2022 Callsign Mav improved on a lead-up sixth behind The Everest contender Snapdancer in the Memsie Stakes results to win the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes.

The official 2026 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes field of final acceptances is released by Racing Victoria on the Wednesday of race week and will be provided in full below.

Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes History

The first recorded win of the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes was in 1951 by Jovial Lad. The event has since then been won two consecutive times by several horses starting with Anonyme in 1961-62. Tauto then won in 1970-71 and Testa Rossa placed first in 1999 and 2000. Formerly known as the Invitation Stakes, the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes has held Group 1 status since 1979 and for a number of years took place on the same Sunday Sydney hosts the NRL Grand Final.

The Sir Rupert Clarke recently moved forward a week earlier as the feature event on its own race card. It has been won by many quality types over the years including the 2018 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes winner Jungle Cat, a raider from the UK who came off a Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint win in Dubai.

In 2023 the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes was moved from September to November before returning to September ahead of the 2025 edition.

Kimochi (2024) was the last Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes winning mare.

Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes Previous Race Winners

Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes FAQS

What is the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes?

The Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes is a Group 1 handicap run over 1400 metres at Caulfield. It’s one of the spring’s most competitive sprint/mile features, known for big fields, fast tempos and strong betting value.

When is the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes held?

The race is held in mid-September during the early stages of the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival. The 2026 edition is scheduled for Saturday September 19.

What distance is the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes run over?

The event is contested over 1400 metres, a trip that suits sharp sprinter/milers and on-pace runners capable of handling Caulfield’s tighter turns.

Where is the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes run?

The race is run at Caulfield Racecourse, a track known for rewarding tactical speed and strong barrier positioning.

Who usually wins the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes?

Winners are often lightly weighted, in-form horses from strong stables, with many peaking third-up or off sharp lead-up runs.

How do I bet on the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes?

Follow the latest odds at Ladbrokes.com.au, market movers, speed maps and expert analysis on Races.com.au to build confident Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes betting plays.