The 1400 metre Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes is an open handicap event held each year at Caulfield Racecourse. Held under Group 1 status and worth $400,000 in prize money, this event normally manages to attract a high class of runners. The Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes is held in September towards the start of the Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival, and as such, can be a great indicator race for events later in the season.

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The Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes has been won by some notable names over the years, including Exceed & Excel in 2003, Testa Rossa in 1999-2000, Encosta De Lago in 1996, Our Maizcay in 1995, and Poetic King in 1994. Held alongside the Group 3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude, this event has proven to be a good test for some of the nations best horses.

After racing in this event, horses may go on to compete in races ranging from 1200 metres to 1600 metres, including the Group 1 Toorak Handicap over 1600 metres. In 2012, Solzhenitsyn managed to win the Toorak Handicap after finishing third in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes. In 2011, Toorak Toff came third in the Group 3 Chatham Stakes after winning this event, with 2010 winner No Evidence Needed placing second in the Group 2 Rose Of Kingston Stakes on Turnbull Stakes Day.

In 2009, Turfontein managed to place second in both the Group 2 Caulfield Sprint and Group 1 Salinger Stakes after winning the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes; with 6th placed All American going on to win the Group 1 Emirates Stakes on the final day of the Flemington carnival. All in all, the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes has proved to be a good indicator for several races later in the year, and a great way to test future stars.