Second Caulfield Group 1 on Sepals agenda in 2025 Toorak Handicap

Cliff Brown’s stable star Sepals will take the next step in his spring campaign when he lines up in Saturday’s Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m) at Caulfield.

The progressive four-year-old is chasing back-to-back Group 1 wins after a brave performance in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m), where he overcame early interference and a wide run to claim his maiden elite-level victory.

Brown said the gelding came through that effort in terrific order and had enjoyed an easy few days before resuming training at Mornington.

“He had a few days in the paddock after the Sir Rupert Clarke and came back looking fantastic,” Brown said. “It took a bit out of him — as you’d expect — but he’s recovered well and worked strongly this week.”

Sepals’ toughness has been one of his trademarks this spring, with Brown believing his maturity and professionalism are taking him to the next level.

“He’s really growing into himself,” Brown said. “He’s mentally tougher now and physically more seasoned. He’s taken that next step, and you can see it in how he’s attacking the line.”

Ethan Brown takes over the reins for Saturday’s mile contest, having partnered the gelding to a previous win over 1400m at Caulfield earlier in the preparation.

While the Toorak presents a new test at 1600m, the Mornington horseman believes Sepals is ready for the challenge after his strong late finishes at shorter trips.

“He hasn’t run the mile since the Australian Guineas, where he wasn’t disgraced behind Feroce,” Brown said. “He’s more seasoned now, and this looks the right race to try him again.”

Sepals has also been entered for the $10 million Golden Eagle later in the spring, with Brown saying a strong showing at Caulfield could determine which path the stable takes next.

“It’s a good problem to have,” he said. “If he runs well here, there are some big decisions to make. The Golden Eagle’s prizemoney is enormous, but we’ll take it one race at a time.”

Those looking to back Sepals in the Toorak Handicap can compare odds and markets through Australia’s best betting sites.