Form analyst, RIC CHAPMAN, looks at every runner in Saturday’s Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes with horse racing tips for the first four. Read on to see how he maps and assesses the race. Good luck, punters!
Caulfield R8 – $1m G1 Â Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes 1400m
1. BEHEMOTH (3) 0x143x7x11
T: David Jolly /J: Craig Williams (59kg)
What a good horse. He is a strong galloper at this trip and boasts a brilliant record both at this level and this journey. Sat wide but still too strong in Gr 1 win last start over 1400m. Drawn perfectly too this time, is as tough as old boots, will be near pace and looks the one to beat again.
2. PROBABEEL (2) 117x1102x1
T: Jamie Richards / J: Brett Prebble (57kg)
Is being labelled a champion mare already and she certainly is building a case to justify it. Loves this j0urney and her first up win under a big weight was just first class. Has won at Gr 1 level and is the most honest horse in the field. Perfectly drawn. Â Big show.
3. STREETS OF AVALON (14) x1167x2875
T: Shane Nichols / J: Damien Oliver (56kg)
Class galloper and is very strong this trip. In fact, has won at Gr 1 level here over this journey. He has had four runs this time up and shown speed and fight in all of them. Poor draw means Ollie will have to send him and that means he may use to much juice. Place.
4. DALASAN (16) 407x0733x0
T: Leon McDonald & Andrew Gulyas / J: Ben Allen (55.5kg)
This bloke is another solid on pace galloper who is capable on his day. Is 2nd up here after being trapped on the rails all the way when resuming. Is up to these at his best however and could place at big odds.
5. BEAU ROSSA (1) x11210x122
T: Will Clarken / J: Linda Meech (55kg)
This bloke may be the knock out horse. Not sure what sort of connection trainer Will Clarken and or his band of owners have with God, but this bloke has now drawn the rails at his past three outings for a win and two runner-up efforts netting $260,000. Again, for the 4th time in a row, gets the perfect gate, sits just behind the speed and will charge through and nearly win this thing. Meerts Behemoth 4kg better for losing by a head last start.
6. BUFFALO RIVER (4) 2203x2340x
T: Michael Moroney / J: Pat Maloney (52.5kg)
Interesting galloper. Is another who looks to go forward early but without a run this time up he is going to find the last 150m very hard. Â Looks tested.
7. SIERRA SUE (10) 97×0604117
T: Trent Busuttin $ Nat Young / J: Daniel Moor (52.5kg)
Will go very close. Won two stakes races in a row over this trip then up in trip and grade when 7th in the Gr 2 Feehan. BUT… should have won that race by 2 lengths. Couldn’t get a run at any stage in the stretch. Comes into this race extremely well at the weights. Gets back and charges late. Â Big show.
8. GROUNDSWELL (9)Â 6x81102x18
T: Team Freedman/ J: Damien Thornton (52kg)
Good reliable customer and does love this trip. Will go hard and be on pace all the way. Is 3rd up so is peaking. Just a query at his talent this level.
9. AYSAR (13) 622x229x04
T: Team Hayes / J: Harry Coffey (52kg)
Is interesting. Very smart on his day and is 3rd up but those two runs this campaign have been below the standard needed to win this.
10. IRISH FLAME (5) 111x5823x3
T: Brett Scott/ J: Mat Cartwright (52kg)
Tough, solid, versatile galloper who can compete from 1200m up to 2400m with distinction. Showed that when 3rd in the 2400m Mornington Cup last campaign, then spelled and resumed with a powerful eye-catching run for 3rd last start over 1200m in the listed Chautauqua Stakes. Has won 2nd up and can run a place.
11. ROMANCER (8) 74346×1825
T: Grahame Begg /J: Michael Dee (52kg)
has been around a while and is a decent Gr 3 type horse. But, has yet to run a place in 3 easier races at this track, has only won 2 of 14 at this trip and has been comfortably beaten in weaker grade at past two starts.
12. SAMIZDAT (6) 6414925×13
T: Team Gangemi / J: Craig Newitt (52kg)
Good West Aussie sprinter who gets back and runs on. Up in class here and never raced at this track. Not keen.
13. AMISH BOY (15) 82234734×2
T: Ciaron maher & David Eustace / J: Dean Yendall (52kg)
Class galloper on his day. Not sure how he has raced 17 times thus far for just the one win and nearly $1million in prizemoney though. Is generally very good at this trip  and his 2nd to the smart Masked Crusader when resuming over 1100m in fast time was outstanding trial for this. Races well 2nd up too. Respect him. Big show.
14. DICE ROLL (7) 0x0x11143x
T: Nick Ryan / J: Fred Kersley (52kg)
This bloke is another solid on pace galloper who is capable on his day. Only start this track was a winner in weaker grade over this trip in fast time. Resumes here and has been working and trialling very impressively. Sure to be thereabouts all the way.
15. REGARDSMAREE (11) 131114×935
T: Nicky Ryan / J: Dean Holland (52kg)
This mare has talent and is on the quick back-up following a really useful 5th to harbour Views last week at Flemington in easier race. Does love this trip and has won twice this track. Rough place hope.
16. POLAND (12) 2310x153x8
T: Michael Moroney / J: Teo Nugent (52kg)
Interesting galloper. Is enigmatic. Won two from two this trip and is a Gr 2 winner here over 1400m. Terrific run when solid 8th to Masked Crusader when resuming and could sneak a place at huge odds.
17. I’M THUNDERSTRUCK (17) 15×1311
T: Mick Price & Michael Kent / J: Jye McNeill (52kg)
Up and coming star but this may be too much too soon. Has good form this journey and at a level just below this. Bad draw hurts and if he gains a run probably sits 3-wide all the way.
Tip: Tips: 1. SIERRA SUE, Â 2. Probabeel, 3. Beau Rossa, 4. Behemoth
