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Caulfield Racecourse
Rupert Clarke Stakes Odds: Sportsbet | IASbet | Centrebet
Also known as the Invitation Stakes, the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes is a 1400-metre Group 1 open handicap race which is staged every September at the Caulfield Racecourse in Melbourne. This race is held at the same day as the Group 1 Underwood Stakes and is also is a good tune-up race for the 1600-metre Group 1 Toorak Handicap which is held three weeks after.
In 2009, the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes had a prize pool of $350,000 and it was won by Turffontein. Stickpin and Raffaello finished second and third respectively. More often than not, this race is won by household names. However, there have been times that the race has been won by dark horses, long shot winners or unfamiliar names.
Excellent horses such as Exceed and Excell, Testa Rossa, Encosta De Lago, Our Maizcay and Poetic King have won the race. Also, the winners and place getters of this race usually go on to participate in upcoming weight-for-age or open handicap races with distances from 1200 to 1600 metres and they turn out competitive outings from the said races.
After the 2009 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes, winner Turffontein had runner-up finishes at the Group 1 Salinger Stakes and the Group 2 Caulfield Sprint. Also, the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes has also served as a meter stick for the most prestigious mile races during the spring racing carnival. As an example, 2008 Rupert Clarke Stakes winner Orange County finished third at the Group 2 Crystal Mile at Mooney Valley.
Meanwhile, 2005 winner Barely a Moment and 2004 winner Regal Roller claimed the Rupert Clarke Stakes-Toorak Handicap double while 1994 Rupert Clarke Stakes champion Poetic King won the 2006 Toorak Handicap. Testa Rossa won back-to-back Rupert Clarke Stakes in 1999 and 2000 and he won the Group 1 Emirates Stakes after his 2000 Rupert Clarke victory.
Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes Recent History
|
Year |
Winner |
2nd |
3rd |
Time |
|
2009 |
Turffontein |
Stickpin |
Raffaello |
1:25.3 |
|
2008 |
Orange County |
Bon Hoffa |
Turffontein |
1:24.3 |
|
2007 |
Bon Hoffa |
Niconero |
Wonderful World |
1:22.5 |
|
2006 |
Rewaaya |
Miss Andretti |
Undue |
1.23.4 |
|
2005 |
Barely A Moment |
Super Kid |
Sky Cuddle |
1.25.7 |
