The final Group 1 feature of the 2023 Melbourne Spring Carnival will see a talented field assemble for the Neds Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes.
Previously contested in early September, the Neds Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes now figures as a season grand final for plenty of top-line horses, and we’re set for a thrilling contest at the Heath on Saturday.
You can find my complete 2023 Neds Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes Tips below.
Suggested Bets
- 2 Units E/W #5 Skew Wiff
- Boxed Trifecta of the selections below
Neds Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes – Winner
I’m holding firm with a galloper that I have backed in each of her two starts during the 2023 Melbourne Spring Carnival so far: Skew Wiff.
The talented Kiwi mare has been a strong and consistent performer in her home land since debuting, and she realised her Group 1 potential with an impressive victory in the Tarzino Trophy in September.
She clearly needed her first run in Australia and off a freshen-up when she faded late in the Tristarc takes on Caulfield Cup Day, but she was very impressive on her way to victory in the Hong Kong Jockey Club Stakes on Melbourne Cup Day.
This is obviously a decent step up in class, but I’m confident that she is in peak order, and she looks a touch of overs in my opinion at current Neds Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes odds ($15 at publish).
Suggested Bet: No. 5 Skew Wiff
Neds Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes – 2nd
Another galloper that I thought represented value in Neds Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes betting is I Am Me ($8 at publish).
I Am Me has continued to improve with each preparation and as the bar has been raised, and she has returned some truly stunning performances this time in.
Having won the Missile Stakes back in August, the I Am Invincible mare returned from a freshen up to win the lucrative Sydney Stakes, and she was last seen finishing second behind Imperatriz in the Manikato Stakes.
That form has been franked, and as long as she sees out the 1400m, I can’t find a reason why I Am Me won’t be in the finish again on Saturday.
Suggested Bet: No. 2 I Am Me
Neds Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes – 3rd
What a story this would be.
Champion hoop Damien Oliver, riding in his final ever Melbourne Group 1 feature, wins the Neds Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes on Vilana. It really would be one of the most memorable moments in racing since the turn of the century.
Vilana has been set for this race, and steps out on Saturday third-up, and following a couple of credible performances in the Sydney Stakes, and under Damien Oliver in his namesake Group 1 race on Derby Day.
The 1400m is a big tick, and at his best, the horse is certainly good enough.
Suggested Bet: No. 1 Vilana
Neds Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes – 4th
She has the class and will carry just 53.5kgs, I’m just a little concerned by the wide draw that Magic Time has to deal with in the Neds Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes.
Magic Time has hardly put a hoof wrong during her career so far, winning four of seven starts and placing on two other occasions.
She was far too good for them in the Group 3 Nivison up in Sydney in October and was last seen filling the minors in The Invitation.
She’s hard fit this week, and with even luck, she too can be right in the finish of the Neds Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes.
Suggested Bet: No. 11 Magic Time
