Bendigo Golden Mile sees Von Hauke's second bid under Brown

Cliff Brown, the trainer based in Mornington, is recognised for his patient approach, particularly evident in his handling of Von Hauke.

Prior to shifting to Singapore for close to 15 years of operations, Brown achieved notable wins throughout Australia.

Back in Australia, he has enjoyed a reliable sequence of successes, including a Group 1 win via Sepals in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield last spring.

From his debut as a three-year-old in a generous maiden at Pakenham, Von Hauke showed significant promise, earning a spot in the Future Stars series.

Though the gelding has consistently hovered near the placings, he frequently proved his own obstacle, but Brown notes that only now at six years old has he truly started to develop.

On Saturday, the Listed Golden Mile (1600m) at Bendigo presents Von Hauke with an opportunity for victory and a potential winter campaign in Queensland.

Von Hauke is tackling the Golden Mile for the second time, after ending up fourth last year.

"He didn't have a lot of luck last year, but he's that sort of horse," Brown said.

"When you get back, luck has to go your way.

"He got galloped on last year and then he had to go for a break, otherwise he would have gone to Brisbane."

Last spring, Von Hauke took out the Crystal Mile (1600m) at Moonee Valley and then rested after the Champions Mile on Melbourne Cup week's final day.

He came back with a fifth in the Group 3 Victoria Handicap (1400m) at Caulfield April 4.

"I thought his first-up run was excellent, but he peaked in the last bit," Brown said.

"At least now, he's grown up and we can run him over a little bit further, as in the past you couldn't as he would want to go too hard, so he's better in that aspect.

"He trialled up well after his first-up run but I still think there's improvement to come.

"He is only second up and I think the weight, which he was always going to get, is a negative and there are some lovely horses in this, but depending on how he goes, he might head to Queensland.

"He's not far off them (the better ones), so it will be interesting to see to where he gets to."

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