Trainer Andrew Noblet is confident Sistine Demon will run well when he has his second start at Group 1 level in the 2014 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield on Sunday.
Sistine Demon will defend his excellent record at Caulfield in the 2014 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes on Sunday. Photo by: Race Horse Photos Australia
Sistine Demon recorded five straight wins during his summer preparation and stamped himself a genuine contender at Group level when he took out both the Listed Super Saturday Stakes (1400m) at Flemington on March 8 and the Group 3 Victoria Handicap (1400m) at Caulfield on April 19.
The Excites gelding was given a maiden opportunity at Group 1 level in The Goodwood (1200m) at Morphettville on May 10 and beat home just a single runner, but Noblet told Racing Ahead that he is expecting the five-year-old to produce a much better performance in the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) this weekend.
“I was really happy with his first-up run and he has come through the run really well,” Noblet said.
“He galloped well at Sandown yesterday morning and I am looking forward to Sunday.
“After he had that really good win in the Victoria Handicap at Easter we thought this would be a nice race to aim him for.
“It has come up a pretty strong race, but he is in good order and we are looking forward to it.
“I think that he will run really well.
“He loves the track and distance and I am confident that he will run well.”
Sistine Demon has led from the start in the majority of his race starts to date and the gelding is one of a number of horses in the 2014 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes field that is sure to make sure the race is run at a genuine tempo.
The Victoria Handicap winner will jump from the slightly awkward barrier 11 with Brenton Avdulla on board at Caulfield on Sunday, but Noblet does not believe that the wide draw will be too much of an issue for his star galloper.
“It is an even gate,” Noblet said.
“I would have liked to be about three more in, but it gives us time to come across without being pressured too much.
“It is what it is and it is ok.”
Sistine Demon is available at 2014 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes odds of $10, while Dissident ($7) and Sweet Idea ($7) are currently locked in a battle for favouritism.
