Sepals tackles the CS Hayes Stakes at Flemington

Race programming can often be a significant challenge for horse trainers.

Finding suitable races for promising horses to progress through the grades and accumulate prize money for their owners isn’t always straightforward. At times, trainers are left with no choice but to enter their horses in tougher races than ideal. This is the situation Cliff Brown faces with his talented runner, Sepals, who has claimed victory in his last two starts.

Sepals secured his maiden win over 1400m at Sale before stepping up to an open benchmark 64 event at Sandown on January 29, also over 1400m.

In an ideal scenario, Brown would prefer to enter Sepals in a benchmark 70 race for three-year-olds over the same distance. However, due to limited options, he has instead opted for the Group 3 C S Hayes Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on Saturday.

“We’re throwing him in the deep end because we sort of have to,” Brown admitted.

“I’m fairly certain there are no benchmark 70 races for three-year-olds over 1400 metres at the moment. The alternative is taking on older horses, but they are a tough group to beat.

“It’s rare for a three-year-old to win a maiden and then immediately follow up with a victory in an open benchmark 64 race.

“We’re running on Saturday simply because of how the race programming has worked out.”

Brown holds Sepals in high regard and believes Saturday’s race will provide a clearer picture of his true ability.

With regular jockey Jamie Mott unavailable due to suspension, Blake Shinn will take over the reins.

“I’m not entirely sure where he stands in terms of ability,” Brown said.

“But he’s done everything asked of him so far and is an honest horse, so we’ll see how he measures up.

“It’s a strong race, but he’s drawn well. He’ll appreciate having no early pressure and being able to build into his run.”

Brown purchased Sepals at the 2023 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, having previously trained his dam, What’s New, during his time in Singapore.

What’s New was a multiple Group 2 and Group 3 winner under Brown’s care and was among the few mares to race in Singapore, where she performed admirably.

“Sepals is her first foal, and he was such an impressive yearling that I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to buy him,” Brown said.