The previous outing for Sepals and Von Hauke saw them finish second and third respectively in a Group 1 race in Brisbane.

The duo is now gearing up for another attempt at Group 1 level, this time competing in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield this Saturday.

In June, Sepals and Von Hauke secured second and third place behind Spicy Martini on a rain-affected track in the Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm, before enjoying a break in Queensland.

During the Stradbroke Handicap, they occupied adjacent stalls, 16 and 17. On Saturday, they will again start from neighbouring barriers, with Sepals in stall five and Von Hauke in stall six.

Trainer Cliff Brown has often faced challenges with poor barrier draws for this pair, especially in Group races, necessitating a conservative racing style. However, this Saturday could offer a different scenario, particularly for Von Hauke.

“He’s more tractable now Von Hauke,” Brown commented. “He can be handy, but he hasn’t drawn well in the past which has cost him. Sepals can go forward, go back, it depends on how he jumps. They will both come on for the run, which is normal for my horses.”

Sepals has the chance to become the first horse since Testa Rossa in 1999-2000 to achieve consecutive wins in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes.

Under Craig Williams’ direction, Sepals overcame a slow start and barrier 14 to win the Group 1 prize last year carrying 52kg.

Sepals will carry 56.5kg this year and will be ridden by Ethan Brown, while Harry Coffey, who guided Von Hauke in Brisbane, will again partner the horse on Saturday.

Brown has adopted a similar preparation strategy for both horses, involving two jump-outs for each.

Von Hauke’s most recent jump-out occurred at Caulfield Heath in early September, while Sepals completed a jump-out at Sandown last week.

“They’ll both be fit enough for 1400 metres, but with improvement to come,” Brown stated. “Vonnie is very good. He’s interesting. He’s quite a gross horse but comes on quite quick. He’s had a couple of gallops since his last jump-out while I trialled Sepals last week, a bit closer to the race. He won first-up last year, but he was scratched two weeks earlier because he went off in the gates and hit his head. That’s why he had that extra trial last year and that’s why I’ve trialled him a bit closer to Saturday because he can get that bit fresh.”

The 2026 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes is set to be a competitive race; consider checking out the latest online bookmakers for your wagers.