Bittercreek wants crack at the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes

Posted by RS NewsWire at 7:44pm on November 12th

Will Larkin would happily take the $300,000 winner’s cheque from this Saturday’s Blue Sapphire Stakes with Bittercreek, but he has his eyes on an even bigger prize at the Caulfield card.

The young trainer and his partners, Leon and Troy Corstens, are keen to see the three-year-old son of Snitzel contest the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m).

Bittercreek was among 24 entries for the $1.5 million event when they closed on Monday but is the second lowest-rated horse among them, meaning he could battle to gain a start in the field limited to 16 and four emergencies.

“We want to get him into the Rupert Clarke with a light weight, but with his rating he’s going to be borderline getting a start, but if not we’ve got the back up option of the Blue Sapphire,” Larkin said.

“He’s got a tremendous pedigree, being a Snitzel colt, so to get that Group 1 win would be all the better for him and if we can sneak our way in we’ll be having a crack.”

Bittercreek will step up to 1400m for the first time this campaign whichever race he tackles with the best of his three runs for far in spring being his Group 3 Red Anchor Stakes (1200m) win at The Valley on Cox Plate Day.

He backed up into the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes, which was won comfortably by Switzerland, but a poorly-timed peek into an adjoining barrier cost him any winning hope.

“Just before the gates opened Benny (Allen) shouted out ‘no’, because he tried to get his head over the barrier next to him, and that left him on the back foot and he missed it by three.

“So, he was a long way off them and I still thought he found the line pretty well but that’s a race where you can’t afford to give those horses a start so he did a good job.

“Plus, we now know that 1200 is probably short of his best and he is going to get better as he steps out over further.”

Among the other Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes entries are Ciaron Maher-trained stars Southport Tycoon, Jimmysstar and Another Wil, Group 1 winners Private Eye, Pinstriped, Climbing Star and Tuvalu, Lawrence Stakes winner Gentleman Roy and fellow three-year-old Coleman.

Coleman is also among 24 nominations for the Group 3 Blue Sapphire Stakes and is the only entry with a higher official handicapper rating than Bittercreek.

More Racing News

Expressway Stakes the ‘Way to go early for Joliestar

Chris Waller’s Apollo Stakes contenders will take center stage at Randwick this Saturday, but the champion trainer also has strong support in the day’s other $300,000 Group 2 races. Joliestar has been entered for the 1400-metre Apollo alongside Via Sistina, Fangirl, and Atishu, but is set to begin her campaign in...

Today

Black Caviar Lightning Stakes could be the making of Maher’s Empire

The only certainty is that Growing Empire will kick off his campaign in Saturday’s Black Caviar Lightning at Flemington. However, the outcome of that race will shape the rest of his season. Trainer Ciaron Maher is eager to secure a maiden Group 1 victory for the son of Zoustar. The three-year-old narrowly...

Today

Mount Barker Cup continues good times for Madi Derrick

Jockey Madi Derrick continued her impressive run of form, securing a double for trainer Ray Malpass, including a standout victory in the Mount Barker Cup (2000m) on Sunday. Seven-year-old gelding Big Swoop proved too strong for his competitors, rounding off a successful day for Malpass, who also saw Sirota claim a...

Today

Strideaway set for Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic goal

Trainer Neville Parnham says Strideaway has improved since her perfect return and is spot on to end his Magic Millions WA 2YO Classic (1200m) hoodoo at Pinjarra on Saturday. A daughter of Alabama Express, Strideaway created a big impression first up and stamped her Magic Millions credentials with authority, gunning down Do...

Today

Leonchroi could be set for the SA Derby

Grand Syndicates was doing its best to keep its feet on the ground after Leonchroi’s win at Caulfield on Monday, but Blake Shinn’s words might encourage them to aim up with the Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr-trained three-year-old. Melbourne’s leading jockey described the gelding as possibly a ‘South Australian Derby...

Today

Black Caviar Lightning Stakes 2025 out but Royal Ascot still a possibility

Isthmus' hopes of competing in a Group 1 event at Flemington have been put on hold due to surgery for an entrapped epiglottis. However, trainers Anthony and Sam Freedman remain optimistic about the mare’s chances of racing internationally. Originally set to launch her autumn campaign in the Group 1 Lightning Stakes...

Today

Ethan Brown after more Group 1 Glory in Black Caviar Lightning Stakes

Jockey Ethan Brown is eager to secure another Group 1 victory as he takes the reins on Mornington Glory in the upcoming Black Caviar Lightning Stakes (1000m) at Flemington. Brown, who has claimed six Group 1 titles since May 2022, is excited to reunite with Mornington Glory for Saturday’s high-stakes sprint....

Today

Melham’s Wish could soon come true in Futurity Stakes

Jamie Melham has been eager to reunite with I Wish I Win ever since their first partnership, and her excitement has only grown after witnessing the gelding's recent performances at the Pakenham jumpouts. Melham has teamed up with the Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman-trained I Wish I Win for two jumpout...

Today

Chris Waller has eyes on first All Star Mile

After achieving Group 1 status, the All-Star Mile has become a prominent target for renowned trainer Chris Waller. The nominations for the All-Star Mile (1600m) at Flemington on March 8 closed on Tuesday, with Waller entering seven horses in the $2.5 million race. Since its inception in 2019, Waller has had only...

Today

Here To Shock land Hayes boys international G1 in BCD Group Sprint

Here To Shock delivered an unforgettable victory for Lindsay Park trainers Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, securing their first-ever international Group 1 win in New Zealand. The experienced gelding was aimed at the BCD Group Sprint (1400m) at Te Rapa on Saturday, and the ambitious move paid off with a...

Feb 8th