Sepals and Von Hauke aim for Group 1 redemption

The last time Sepals and Von Hauke raced, they finished second and third in a prestigious Group 1 race held in Brisbane.

Now, the pair are preparing for another shot at Group 1 glory, this time in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) scheduled for Caulfield on Saturday.

Back in June, Sepals and Von Hauke secured second and third places respectively behind Spicy Martini on a testing heavy track during the Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm. They subsequently enjoyed a well-deserved winter break in Queensland.

Interestingly, both horses shared adjoining stalls, 16 and 17, during the Stradbroke Handicap. On Saturday, they will again start from adjacent barriers, with Sepals in gate five and Von Hauke in gate six.

Trainer Cliff Brown has frequently contended with disadvantageous draws for these two runners, particularly in Group races, which has necessitated a patient, sit-and-wait tactic. However, the circumstances on Saturday might be more favourable, especially for Von Hauke.

"He's more tractable now Von Hauke," Brown commented. "He can be handy, but he hasn't drawn well in the past which has cost him. Sepals can go forward, go back, it depends on how he jumps. They will both come on for the run, which is normal for my horses."

Should Sepals succeed, he would emulate Testa Rossa's achievement from 1999-2000 by winning back-to-back Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes races.

Last year, under the guidance of Craig Williams, Sepals navigated a difficult start and barrier 14 to clinch the Group 1 title while carrying 52kg.

This year, Sepals' weight increases to 56.5kg and he will be partnered by Ethan Brown. Harry Coffey, who rode Von Hauke in Brisbane, will again be in the saddle on Saturday.

Brown has implemented an identical preparation plan for both horses, which has included two jump-outs for each.

The final jump-out for Von Hauke took place at Caulfield Heath in early September, whereas Sepals' most recent hit-out was at Sandown last week.

"They'll both be fit enough for 1400 metres, but with improvement to come," Brown explained. "Vonnie is very good. He's interesting. He's quite a gross horse but comes on quite quick. He's had a couple of gallops since his last jump-out while I trialled Sepals last week, a bit closer to the race. He won first-up last year, but he was scratched two weeks earlier because he went off in the gates and hit his head. That's why he had that extra trial last year and that's why I've trialled him a bit closer to Saturday because he can get that bit fresh."

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