Cliff Brown's Group 1 stars preparing for spring return

Two of Cliff Brown's talented Group 1 horses are back in Melbourne and set to begin their spring campaign training.

Sepals and Von Hauke have been enjoying a spell in Queensland's pleasant weather following their second and third placings, respectively, in the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm last month.

The pair returned to Melbourne this week and will start their track work on Monday.

"They spelled well," Brown confirmed.

"I went to see them a couple of weeks ago at Newington Farm, and they were looking great.

"It was a demanding campaign, and they encountered a heavy track in their last start, but they will resume on Monday, and we will take it from there."

Brown mentioned that plans for the Group 1 winner Sepals are still being finalised, though a trip to Sydney for the King Charles III Stakes, recently promoted to Group 2 status, is a possibility.

Looking further ahead, the Group 1 Champions Mile (1600m) during Melbourne Cup week at Flemington is being considered as a target.

"The Champions Mile in Cup week if he can run the mile, but we'll just have to see how he comes up," Brown explained.

"Maybe the King Charles, but there are many quality horses heading that way, and I thought many of the four-year-olds might aim for The Golden Eagle.

"I believe Von Hauke could be a strong contender for the Epsom Handicap under handicap conditions over the mile; it would be a good fit."

Brown added that with only 13 starts on his record, Sepals is still developing, while Von Hauke, now a rising seven-year-old, has finally come to appreciate the demands of racing.

"My horses continue to improve with age," Brown commented.

"Sepals has only had 12 or 13 starts, while Von Hauke is rising seven and is still in excellent form.

"I don't concern myself too much with the two-year-olds. I prefer to acquire them later, give them sufficient time, and purchase that calibre of horse.

"We only have 25 horses in work. Two of them made it to the Stradbroke, and we've had a few other city winners throughout the year, but there are no two-year-olds in the stable.

"It's simply a matter of timing."

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