One of the key early form line races to follow into the Spring Carnival majors lights up Caulfield Racecourse on Saturday, and Ladbrokes have punters covered with our expert 2026 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes tips, predictions and best bets.
Run and won since 1951, the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) headlines a huge elite level double on Underwood Stakes Day, and punters get a capacity field bursting with chances for the latest edition of the handicap clash.
It’s a key lead‑up to the Toorak Handicap and an historically high‑value betting race, with Lady Shenandoah heading the market after scratching from Sydney to chase the $1 million prize down south.
The triple Group 1 mare brings elite 1400m form, a perfect draw and strong first‑up signals, while dangers like Regal Award, Angel Capital, Evaporate and defending champ Sepals ensure this year’s edition is deep and competitive – unlike the Autumn Glow dominated 7 Stakes in Sydney!
Read on for our expert Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes 2026 predictions and Same Race Multi selections!
2026 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes Tips
LADY SHENANDOAH (1) heads into the 2026 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes as the clear favourite, and the rails‑drawn Snitzel mare looks superbly placed to strike back in a big way.
Waller scratched her from a clash with Autumn Glow in Sydney to target this $1 million handicap, and the move makes perfect sense: she’s a triple Group 1 winner, a proven 1400m specialist, and she gets a dream set‑up with Craig Williams taking the reins.
Punters have piled in early, hoping she can continue the strong recent run of mares in the race and become the fourth female winner in six years.
Her form reads far better than the winless streak suggests.
Since completing the Surround–Coolmore Classic double as a filly, she’s raced almost exclusively in elite company and has missed the Top 4 only once — her brave The Everest seventh, beaten just two lengths by the mighty Ka Ying Rising.
Fresh this prep she was outstanding at big odds in the Group 1 Winx Stakes, finishing fourth behind her star stablemate Autumn Glow and earning glowing praise from Kerrin McEvoy, who declared she’d “improve from the run” and was “in for a lovely prep”.
Back to a handicap, back to her pet trip, and back on firmer ground, she finally gets conditions that suit.
Second‑up she’s historically sharp, she maps to settle midfield with a soft trail from the inside draw, and she brings genuine A‑grade form lines into a race where many rivals are still building fitness.
With her class, her consistency, and the perfect set‑up, Lady Shenandoah looks primed to remind the Caulfield racegoers why she’s one of the best mares in the country — and she’s the one they all have to beat.
| 6. Lady Shenandoah (1) J: Craig Williams 56kg 342×4 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Dual acceptor. Second run back. First-up after four months 4th of 11 in the G1 Winx Stakes at Randwick on August 22 over 1400m, on a slow track; 4.5 len behind Autumn Glow with 57kg at $19. Previously second-up 3rd of 10 in the G1 Canterbury Stakes at Randwick on March 7 over 1300m, 1.2 len behind Joliestar carrying 57kg at $4.20. Very good mare through the A1 form, any luck and she goes close. | |||
Lady Shenandoah is our favourite but she’s yet to run at Caulfield so for a value each way play I’m keen on SEPALS (5) first-up from a good gate.
He’s the defending Cliff Brown-trained champion who is out to go back-to-back in the Sir Rupert for the first time since Testa Rossa (1999-2000), and he’s got genuine claims to do so in my opinion.
The Calyx gelding loves the Caulfield track having won two from three here to date and is the 1400m specialist in the mix (6:5-1-0).
Unbeaten at the track and trip, he’s drawn ideally and runs for the first time since an excellent second in Brisbane’s Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap.
He’s a horse that usually takes a few to wind up so may need the run, but Ethan Brown is in fine form, and this horse handles all conditions.
Only won once from four previous first-up assignments but will go close.
| 3. Sepals (5) J: Ethan Brown 56.5kg 7x02x T: Cliff Brown | |||
| Has won previously first-up and resumes here after a break of three-and-a-half months. Finished off last campaign second of 18 at Eagle Farm in the G1 Stradbroke June 13 over 1400m, on heavy track; 1.1 len behind Spicy Martini carrying 55kg at $31. Previously first up; 14th of 16 at Eagle Farm in the G1 K-Smith Cup May 30 over 1300m, soft track; 6 len behind Headley Grange carrying 59kg at $17. Won this last year, goes in fresh is the niggle but he’s a good horse. | |||
There are a host of other better fancied dangers in the mix, but at 25/1 the standout roughie for mine that can shock a few with a run in the Top 6 is SUN GOD (2).
A stablemate to the favourite, I always love another Waller-trained runner to finish in the money behind the top-tier runners from this super stable, and this guy ticks a few boxes to suggest he can outrun his price.
Drawn a dream in gate two for former Melbourne Cup winning hoop Jye McNeil, this Fastnet Rock six-year-old is finally being thrown in the deep end having his maiden Group status start.
The UK import has won three of his past four starts around the nation and is starting to put together a pretty tidy record, albeit in much easier company.
He had three Listed runs over a terrific winter prep and saluted twice, most recently at Eagle Farm in the Listed Tatt’s Mile in late June over War Eternal.
Obviously, this is a different level, and he’ll need to really rise to the occasion, but his first-up record is pretty solid including a tight Listed Luskin Star win at Scone last prep.
He carries a postage stamp weight of just 52.5kg, gets the favours from barrier two and looks a genuine blowout chance for exotics.
Check out all my top Saturday roughie tips now over at Hendo’s Hopefuls!
| 14. Sun God (2) J: Jye Mcneil 52.5kg x121x T: Chris Waller | |||
| Has won previously first-up and resumes here after a break of 12 weeks. Finished off last preparation won by 0.7 len Eagle Farm LR Tatts Mile Qlty June 27 over 1600m slow track defeating War Eternal carrying 58kg at $2.35. Previous preparation first-up favourite; won by nose Scone LR Luskinstar May 16 over 1300m defeating Point And Shoot carrying 53kg at $15. No weight and drawn low, could be a blowout hope. | |||
2026 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes Same Race Multi Selections
- Top 3 – No. 6 Lady Shenandoah
- Top 4 – No. 3 Sepals
- Top 6 – No. 14 Sun God
LADY SHENANDOAH (1) drops back to a handicap, draws the rail, brings elite 1400m Group 1 form and a strong second‑up profile, making her a class‑laden and rock‑solid Top 3 play.
SEPALS (5) is unbeaten at the Caulfield 1400m, draws well, returns off a Stradbroke second and looks a proven, value‑packed Top 4 chance as the defending champion.
SUN GOD (2) draws perfectly, carries no weight, brings winning Listed form and a sharp first‑up record, making him a genuine blowout chance to run Top 5 at big odds.
| 3. Sepals (5) J: Ethan Brown 56.5kg 7x02x T: Cliff Brown | |||
| Has won previously first-up and resumes here after a break of three-and-a-half months. Finished off last campaign second of 18 at Eagle Farm in the G1 Stradbroke June 13 over 1400m, on heavy track; 1.1 len behind Spicy Martini carrying 55kg at $31. Previously first up; 14th of 16 at Eagle Farm in the G1 K-Smith Cup May 30 over 1300m, soft track; 6 len behind Headley Grange carrying 59kg at $17. Won this last year, goes in fresh is the niggle but he’s a good horse. | |||
| 6. Lady Shenandoah (1) J: Craig Williams 56kg 342×4 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Dual acceptor. Second run back. First-up after four months 4th of 11 in the G1 Winx Stakes at Randwick on August 22 over 1400m, on a slow track; 4.5 len behind Autumn Glow with 57kg at $19. Previously second-up 3rd of 10 in the G1 Canterbury Stakes at Randwick on March 7 over 1300m, 1.2 len behind Joliestar carrying 57kg at $4.20. Very good mare through the A1 form, any luck and she goes close. | |||
| 14. Sun God (2) J: Jye Mcneil 52.5kg x121x T: Chris Waller | |||
| Has won previously first-up and resumes here after a break of 12 weeks. Finished off last preparation won by 0.7 len Eagle Farm LR Tatts Mile Qlty June 27 over 1600m slow track defeating War Eternal carrying 58kg at $2.35. Previous preparation first-up favourite; won by nose Scone LR Luskinstar May 16 over 1300m defeating Point And Shoot carrying 53kg at $15. No weight and drawn low, could be a blowout hope. | |||
Latest Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes 2026 Odds
Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes 2026 Odds
| 1. Tom Kitten (14) J: Mark Zahra 59kg 117×0 T: Anthony & Sam Freedman | |||
| Second run back. First-up after five months ran second last of 12 in the G1 Memsie Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1400m, on a slow track; 6 len behind Beiwacht carrying 59kg at $26. Previously second-up won by a long-neck in a G1 The All-Star Mile at Flemington on March 7 over 1600m defeating Evaporate carrying 59kg at $3.90. Not the best run fresh, big weight but is a class animal. | |||
| 2. Evaporate (17) J: Blake Shinn 56.5kg 99×31 T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | |||
| Third-up today and won third-up previously. First-up set the pace for much of the race 3rd of 11 in the G2 PB Lawrence Stakes at this track on August 15 over 1400m, on a slow track; 1.5 len behind Cosmic Crusader carrying 59kg at $5. Second run from a spell favourite; won by 1.75 len in a So You Think at Sandown-Hillside on September 5 over 1500m on a soft track defeating Pinstriped carrying 58.5kg at $2.05. So consistent, draw not ideal but should be right there. | |||
| 3. Sepals (5) J: Ethan Brown 56.5kg 7x02x T: Cliff Brown | |||
| Has won previously first-up and resumes here after a break of three-and-a-half months. Finished off last campaign second of 18 at Eagle Farm in the G1 Stradbroke June 13 over 1400m, on heavy track; 1.1 len behind Spicy Martini carrying 55kg at $31. Previously first up; 14th of 16 at Eagle Farm in the G1 K-Smith Cup May 30 over 1300m, soft track; 6 len behind Headley Grange carrying 59kg at $17. Won this last year, goes in fresh is the niggle but he’s a good horse. | |||
| 4. War Machine (18) J: Damian Lane 56.5kg x30x3 T: Ben, Will & Jd Hayes | |||
| Second run back. First-up after six months 3rd of 8 in a G3 The Heath 1100 Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1100m, on a slow track; 2.75 len behind Oliveanotherday with 59kg at $6. Previously second-up 11th of 14 in the G1 Newmarket Handicap at Flemington on March 7 over 1200m, 4 len behind Caballus carrying 57kg at $13. Solid return, draw not ideal but he’s a class horse on his day. | |||
| 5. Angel Capital (7) J: Ben Melham 56kg 26×30 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Third-up today and placed third-up previously. First-up ran on strongly from last on the turn; 3rd of 7 in the G2 Missile Stakes at Randwick on August 8 over 1200m, 2 len behind Ninja with 57.5kg at $2.20. Second-up 10th of 12 in the G1 Memsie Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1400m, on a slow track; 6 len behind Beiwacht carrying 59kg at $9.50. So frustrating but gets dry track and a good draw – can certainly atone! | |||
| 6. Lady Shenandoah (1) J: Craig Williams 56kg 342×4 T: Chris Waller | |||
| Dual acceptor. Second run back. First-up after four months 4th of 11 in the G1 Winx Stakes at Randwick on August 22 over 1400m, on a slow track; 4.5 len behind Autumn Glow with 57kg at $19. Previously second-up 3rd of 10 in the G1 Canterbury Stakes at Randwick on March 7 over 1300m, 1.2 len behind Joliestar carrying 57kg at $4.20. Very good mare through the A1 form, any luck and she goes close. | |||
| 7. Warnie (3) J: Declan Bates 55kg 08×41 T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| Third-up today and won third-up previously. Resuming ran on strongly from last on the turn; 4th of 11 in the LR Regal Roller Stakes at this track on August 15 over 1200m, slow going 1.5 len behind Shadhavar with 59.5kg at $12. Second-up settled well back; won by 1.3 len in the G3 Chautauqua (Chandler Macleod) Stakes at Sandown-Hillside on September 9 over 1300m on a soft track defeating Tennessee Bound with 58kg at $3.70. Found his best form now. Tough win latest and should take holding out. | |||
| 8. Feroce (8) J: Billy Egan 54.5kg 272×5 T: Dominic Sutton | |||
| Second-up. First-up after five months tracked the speed and boxed on steadily 5th of 11 in the G2 PB Lawrence Stakes at this track on August 15 over 1400m, on a slow track; 2.25 len behind Cosmic Crusader with 59kg at $14. Previously second-up ran second last of 8 in the G1 Futurity Stakes at this track on February 21 over 1400m, 4.5 len behind Pericles with 59kg at $10. Dry ground suits and gets in well, right in this. | |||
| 9. Von Hauke (6) J: Harry Coffey 54.5kg 5103x T: Cliff Brown | |||
| First-up. Finished off last preparation third of 18 at Eagle Farm in the G1 Stradbroke June 13 over 1400m, on heavy track; 2 len behind Spicy Martini carrying 53kg at $41. Previously first up; fifth of 15 at this track in the G3 Vic Hcp April 4 over 1400m, 3 len behind Hughes with 57.5kg at $26. Good horse, will be running on. | |||
| 10. Planet Red (10) J: Michael Dee 53.5kg 226×7 T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr | |||
| Second-up. First-up after five months sat behind the speed prior to fading 7th of 12 in the G1 Memsie Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1400m, on a slow track; 4.5 len behind Beiwacht carrying 58.5kg at $51. Previously second-up 2nd of 10 in the G1 Australian Guineas at Flemington on February 28 over 1600m, 0.5 len behind Observer carrying 57kg at $7. Solid return, could sneak a place. | |||
| 11. Sabaj (13) J: Jamie Melham 53kg 244×0 T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr | |||
| Second-up. First-up after five months ran last of 12 in the G1 Memsie Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1400m, slow going 6 len behind Beiwacht with 59kg at $101. Previously second-up 4th of 9 in a G1 The All-Star Mile at Flemington on March 7 over 1600m, 0.7 len behind Tom Kitten with 59kg at $21. Prefer over further. | |||
| 12. Yellow Jersey (16) J: Daniel Stackhouse 53kg 3x2x7 T: Tony & Calvin Mcevoy | |||
| Having second run back today. Last start raced behind the speed prior to fading 7th of 16 in a LR Heatherlie Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1700m, slow going 4.5 len behind Kingswood carrying 59kg at $2.15. At only start last preparation sat on the pace when 2nd of 11 in a LR The Wayne Wilson at Eagle Farm on June 13 over 1600m, on a wet track; long-neck behind War Eternal carrying 59kg at $2.60. Not sure what to do with him back in trip. | |||
| 13. Regal Award (4) J: Lachlan Neindorf 52.5kg 3517x T: Phillip & Tommy Stokes | |||
| Gelding back from a spell of three-and-a-half months. Has placed previously first up from a break. Finished off last preparation seventh of 18 at Eagle Farm in the G1 Stradbroke June 13 over 1400m, on rain affected going; 3.5 len behind Spicy Martini carrying 49.5kg at $8. When resuming last campaign seventh of 14 at Rosehill in the LR Darbymunro March 21 over 1200m, soft track; 3.5 len behind Beskar carrying 56kg at $11. Enigmatic type who maps well (if he jumps), can run well. | |||
| 14. Sun God (2) J: Jye Mcneil 52.5kg x121x T: Chris Waller | |||
| Has won previously first-up and resumes here after a break of 12 weeks. Finished off last preparation won by 0.7 len Eagle Farm LR Tatts Mile Qlty June 27 over 1600m slow track defeating War Eternal carrying 58kg at $2.35. Previous preparation first-up favourite; won by nose Scone LR Luskinstar May 16 over 1300m defeating Point And Shoot carrying 53kg at $15. No weight and drawn low, could be a blowout hope. | |||
| 15. Persian Spirit (9) J: Damien Thornton 52kg 48×24 T: Symon Wilde | |||
| Third-up today and won third-up previously. Resuming 2nd of 11 in the LR Regal Roller Stakes at this track on August 15 over 1200m, on a slow track; long-neck behind Shadhavar carrying 55.5kg at $10. Second run from a spell 4th of 7 in the G3 Chautauqua (Chandler Macleod) Stakes at Sandown-Hillside on September 9 over 1300m, slow going 2 len behind Warnie carrying 54.5kg at $2.70. Well backed last time, can peak third up with no weight. | |||
| 16. Recon (12) J: Patrick Moloney 52kg 60×60 T: Pat Carey & Harris Walker | |||
| Third-up today and won third-up in the past. Resuming 6th of 11 in the LR Regal Roller Stakes at this track on August 15 over 1200m, on a slow track; 2.75 len behind Shadhavar with 56kg at $5.50. Second run from a spell 12th of 14 in the G2 Bobbie Lewis Quality at Flemington on September 12 over 1200m, 3.5 len behind Losesomewinmore carrying 53.5kg at $15. Risking. | |||
| 17. Harry’s Yacht (15) J: Jett Stanley 52kg 234×5 T: L & T Corstens & W Larkin | |||
| Second run back. First-up after three months eased back early on 5th of 8 in a G3 The Heath 1100 Stakes at this track on August 29 over 1100m, on a slow track; 5 len behind Oliveanotherday carrying 57kg at $19. Previously second-up made ground from midfield; 2nd of 10 in a Vg Stockade at Ballarat on December 6 over 1200m, on a slow track; 0.8 len behind Steel Move carrying 59kg at $1.95. This will test. | |||
| 18. Tennessee Bound (11) J: Unknown 52kg 11122 T: Ciaron Maher | |||
| At the latest run led but faded 2nd of 7 in the G3 Chautauqua (Chandler Macleod) Stakes at Sandown-Hillside on September 9 over 1300m, slow going 1.3 len behind Warnie carrying 54kg at $4.20. The run before that came from midfield; 2nd of 7 in a Bm88 at Sandown-Hillside on August 22 over 1300m, on rain affected going; 2.25 len behind Gold Coast Belle with 56.5kg at $2.90. Keeps racing well but have a few ahead. | |||
2026 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes Big Bets
Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes FAQs
The Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes is a $1 million Group 1 handicap run over 1400m at Caulfield and is one of the key early‑spring betting races for punters.
The 2026 edition takes place on Saturday the 19th of September at Caulfield as part of a huge Group 1 double at the meeting. It is scheduled as Caulfield Race 9 at 4:50pm (AEST) as the penultimate event on the Underwood Stakes Day card.
The race is contested over 1400 metres, a trip that consistently rewards strong tempo horses and proven middle‑distance sprinters.
The race is run at Caulfield Racecourse in Melbourne, one of Australia’s premier racing venues.
The 2025 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes was won by four-year-old Calyx gelding Sepals at $3.50 for trainer Cliff Brown with the race’s now eight-time winning jockey Craig Williams aboard on 52kg from barrier 14 to win by 0.75 lengths on a Good (3) track in a time of 1:21.39. Sepals returns in the 2026 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes looking to go back-to-back.
Lady Shenandoah heads the current 2026 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes betting markets at Ladbrokes, the rails‑drawn triple Group 1 mare dropping back to a handicap after a strong Winx Stakes return.
Ladbrokes offers fixed odds, exotics, Same Race Multis and live betting options. Following tempo maps, handicap weights and 1400m specialists is key.
Proven 1400m form, strong second‑up records, favourable draws and horses dropping back from WFA Group 1 company are major factors.
Lee Freedman remains the race’s benchmark trainer with three Sir Rupert Clarke victories, while Darren Weir is the most recent to go back‑to‑back, and Cliff Brown is the latest winner after preparing Sepals to victory in 2025.
Absolutely. The Sir Rupert Clarke is a major lead‑up to the Toorak Handicap, with many runners progressing to the mile as strong chances.