By Daithi Harvey
Happy Clapper (Aus) (Teofilo {Ire}) was a model of consistency throughout 2017 when he racked up three wins and five seconds from ten starts. One of those wins was gained in the G1 TAB Epsom H. at Randwick in September and Patrick Webster's gelding will again have Randwick on his agenda as his trainer begins to focus on Autumn targets. Unlike last year Happy Clapper will be more selectively campaigned with just two major races on his agenda. “I really only want to give him a short campaign and focus on the George Ryder and the Doncaster,” Webster told Racing And Sports. Making his seasonal debut in the G1 George Ryder S. at Rosehill Mar. 24 could see the 7-year-old take on Winx (Aus) (Street Cry {Ire}). That prospect is nothing new to Happy Clapper as he came out the wrong side of that argument with the brilliant mare on three occasions last year, though he did get to within a length and a quarter of her when second in the G1 Colgate Optic White S. at Randwick in September. While Happy Clapper is likely to take in a couple of barrier trials before the George Ryder, Winx is set to resume racing next month with her trainer Chris Waller suggesting her performance in the George Ryder will determine whether she then embarks on an international campaign or remains in Australia.
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