Disposition in the Mood to Win

The G1 Sir Rupert Clarke S. is a race that has worked out well for favorites in recent years, so value players should be cautious in dismissing early choice Disposition (Aus) (Reset {Aus}). The 4-year-old gelding was unbeaten in his first four starts in Western Australia this time last year and relocated to Victoria after a second in the G1 Kingston Town Classic in December. He has thus far showed promise in his new surroundings, his two autumn efforts including a second to Group 1 winner Wandjina (Aus) (Snitzel {Aus}) in the G3 C S Hayes S., and he was a sound winner of the Listed Sofitel S. at Flemington first-up two weeks ago. He also enjoys the benefit of still getting a break in the weights. Co-trainer Lee Freedman told Racenet after Disposition’s Sofitel win, “He’s a really high-class horse and he can only improve on that going forward. He did what I hoped he would because he’s shown me things that only good horses are capable of. I don’t know what his ultimate target will be because I don’t know if he’s a sprinter-miler yet or if he can stay. We’ll find out as we go along.”

Stratum Star (Aus) (Stratum {Aus}) was third behind Wandjina and Disposition in the C S Hayes and has also made progress since, having finished third in the G1 Australian Guineas in the autumn and having finished a respectable third in the G1 Memsie S. last-out Aug. 29. He will have to be at his best, however, to overcome a wide gate in 18. Under The Louvre (Aus) (Excellent Art {GB}) is one that is usually charging in the lane, and connections will be hoping he can notch his first win at the group level off a second in the G2 Bobbie Lewis Quality S. two weeks ago.