Horse Racing Tips for Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes 2024

Can we talk about how superb it is that we have two Group 1 races this Saturday after the Cup Carnival last week?

One of these top-class events is the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes, offering a $1 million prize pool and attracting a high-quality field.

We’re set to see a rematch between Another Wil and Jimmysstar, who last faced off in the Group 2 Damien Oliver at Flemington two weeks ago.

While I have high respect for the Ciaron Maher-trained duo of Another Wil and Jimmysstar at the top of the market, it’s another stablemate that looks like the best betting option.

Track Conditions

The track is currently rated as a Good 4, but with a hot day forecast for Saturday it could firm up to a Good 3.

The rail is set out 6m and while it’s expected to favour on-pace runners, the Caulfield track has played fairly even this Spring.

Caulfield Race 9 - Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes 2024

The Map

No surprises for the likely leader here, Buffalo River (12) is almost certain to roll to the front.

Tuvalu (15) is expected to come across with Buffalo River and settle outside the leader, while Run Harry Run (2) and Gentleman Roy (9) should take up ideal positions just behind the pace.

Favourite Jimmysstar (1) will find himself in a tricky midfield position on the rail and will be looking for a clear passage, while his stablemate Another Wil (5) will likely settle just outside him.

Further back, contenders Charm Stone (3), Climbing Star (6), and Southport Tycoon (9) will position towards the rear, appreciating the strong early tempo up front.

Another Wil wins at Randwick

The Favourite

#7 Jimmysstar – $3.30

I wouldn’t be surprised if stablemate Another Wil is the favourite by the time this race jumps on Saturday.

Despite a 1.5kg swing in Jimmysstar’s favour, he was soundly beaten by Another Wil last start, and I expect the same outcome here. From barrier 1, he’ll need plenty of luck to find a clear path, and even if he does, he’ll be chasing Another Wil.

While Jimmysstar is a high-quality horse, he’ll need everything to go his way on Saturday to win. He’s a tempting lay at these odds.

Tips

1st – #1 Southport Tycoon – $10.00

It’s surprising that the Manikato Stakes winner is paying $10 in a field like this.

His two Sydney runs were strong, including a third behind Overpass and a ninth in the Golden Eagle after coming from the back of a 20-horse field.

This race looks ideally set up for him, as he should be able to track Another Wil and get a nice run into contention.

Mark Zahra returns to the saddle for the first time since his brilliant ride in the Manikato, and I think Southport Tycoon has the turn of foot to capture his second Group 1 of the spring.

2nd – #4 Another Wil – $3.60

Another Wil is expected to start as the favourite, and rightly so.

He beat Jimmysstar convincingly last start, and while there’s a 1.5kg swing in his stablemate’s favour, he should get a similarly perfect run here.

Jamie Kah retains the ride, and her record on this horse is impressive, with seven wins from eight rides.

Between the two favourites, Another Wil is definitely the one to back.

3rd – #6 Climbing Star – $13.00

This mare looks ready to peak third-up here.

If she can replicate her third-up performance from last preparation in the Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes, she’ll be a serious contender.

Her first-up effort in the Manikato was excellent (finishing fifth), and she had little luck in the Group 3 Sydney Stakes last start when trying to come from the back.

This race’s tempo suits her well, and she’s nicely weighted.

Worth a bet at double figures!

4th – #7 Jimmysstar – $3.30

It’s hard to shake the feeling that Jimmysstar could end up as a hard-luck story here.

He’s almost certain to be stuck behind tiring leaders, and unless Damian Lane can pull off something special, he might end up giving too much ground to his key rivals.

If he does get a clear run, he’ll definitely be in the finish, but with a few doubts over his luck, he’s not great value at these odds.

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