By Dane Squance
A large field of 16 have accepted for Sunday's G1 Sir Rupert Clarke S. (1400m) at Caulfield, and on paper there is probably more that can win the race than can't. While G1 Railway S. winner Scales Of Justice (Aus) (Not A Single Doubt {Aus}) appears the logical choice in the race, he will need to improve his manners after his first race in the eastern states. Slightly erratic when making his run last start in the G2 Bobbie Lewis S., although he was never going to trouble the winner, the 5-year-old needs to be on his best behaviour in the quality field.
Top weight and last season's G1 Doncaster H. winner It's Somewhat (Dynaformer) does jump from a wide gate, but at the value, he could be the one. Successful first-up last campaign in the G2 Ajax S. when beating a slightly inferior field, he did defeat Happy Clapper (Aus) (Teofilo {Ire}) second up in the Doncaster, with that runner a leading chance in Saturday's G1 Epsom H., everything points to a forward showing.
Tosen Stardom (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) would highlight himself as a stallion prospect if he was able to claim his first Group 1 victory, and after two quality efforts this campaign including a last start third in the G1 Memsie S., the Darren Weir-trained bay looks a chance. Earning his first black type win at listed level over the Flemington 1400m at his most recent run, Robert Smerdon's Theanswermyfriend (Aus) (High Chaparral {Ire}) likes to race handy, and with only 52 kilos on his back, jockey Kerrin McEvoy might be able to control the race.
Willing to forgive his disappointing last start effort, Winx's (Aus) half-brother El Divino (Aus) (Snitzel {Aus}) would assure himself a stallion home for life if he could secure an elusive Group 1 victory here on the limit weight, but trainer Darren Weir will have to work his magic on the 4-year-old. The Hayes and Dabernig camp have three runners in the race with the best likely to be the well-travelled Cannyescent (Aus) (Canny Lad {Aus}), second to Hey Doc (Aus) (Duporth {Aus}) at group 3 level two starts back at Flemington before heading to Sydney and finishing fifth behind A$10million The Everest contender Deploy (Aus) (Fastnet Rock {Aus})in the G2 Theo Marks.
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