Rescheduled Rupert Clarke Lights Feroce Path

Trainer Dom Sutton is charting a Group 1 path for Feroce (NZ) this spring, with the rescheduled Gr1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) set to launch the gelding’s campaign, reports racingnews.co.nz. The Rupert Clarke returns to its traditional September timeslot after being held post-Melbourne Cup in recent years, and Sutton believes the race offers an ideal springboard for his rising 4YO. It was in March that Feroce delivered Sutton a career-first elite-level win in the Australian Guineas (1600m), before a midfield finish against older rivals in the Gr1 Australian Cup (2000m) brought his autumn to a close. Now in pre-training, the Super Seth gelding is building toward a tilt at the $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m), Sydney’s lucrative spring feature restricted to 4YOs. But Sutton has mapped out a broader campaign that includes additional Group 1 options in Melbourne, noting, “That (Golden Eagle) is his target, being a 4YO, but there’s a lot of nice, 1400-metre and mile Group 1 races along the way that we’ve got circled. The Eagle is a big carrot but there’s some very nice races along the way that we’re also targeting.” The Rupert Clarke on September 20 is the likely kick-off, followed by the Gr1 Toorak Handicap (1600m), before freshening again for a Sydney assault. Sutton confirmed the gelding is responding well to his beach-based pre-training program after enjoying a proper break. “He’s down at the beach doing some pre-training. He’s doing a month down there and then he’ll come into the stable towards the end of this month,” he said. “He’s done very well. That’s the first time he’s had an extended, lengthy spell since we’ve had him.” Having only had a brief freshen-up between last spring and autumn, Sutton was keen to give the horse a proper reset after a campaign that showcased his talent at the top level. “He seems to have come back well,” Sutton revealed. “He’s always been a nice, big, mature horse. I just had him in the stable for a few days before he went down to the beach (for pre-training) and I was happy with him.” With the horse now four, connections are hopeful Feroce can build on his early success and handle the step up against older company. His autumn form suggests he’s earned his place among the spring elite, and Sutton is confident the foundations are in place for a bold preparation.

Feroce is being aimed at the Rupert Clarke Stakes (pic: Mark Gatt)