Bon Aurum strong in the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes
BON Aurum scored its maiden group one win at Caulfield on Saturday when taking out the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes.
The four-year-old came into the race having won by two lengths at Flemington last start and punters were confident the son of Bon Hoffa ($3.90 at CrownBet) could go back-to-back.
Jockey Kerrin McEvoy sat just off the pace which was set by Kiwi raider Xtravagant before hitting the front with 200m to go and holding off the challenge from Voodoo Lad.
“I had a nice run with cover behind Counterattack who I’d thought would be hard to beat,” McEvoy said.
McEvoy was thrilled to be back riding in Melbourne aboard Bon Aurum which took out the 2015 edition of the Caulfield Guineas Prelude this time last season.
“Good thrill to be back in Melbourne and winning. He won the Guineas Prelude last year and it’s good to be back on him,” McEvoy said.
“Ciaron’s done a good job with him. He’s grown up a bit, he was always going to be a nice four-year-old. He’s shown that all preparation.”
Trainer Ciaron Maher was over the moon with the result and he paid credit to his team for getting the four-year-old prepared.
“It’s awesome,” Maher said. “Great ride from Macca. Just really like to thank our team. Everyone from the float drivers up to the track riders.
“This horse has taken a lot of work. It’s great to get him back and claim a group one with him.”
Maher would like to win more group ones with Bon Aurum and the Group 1 Toorak Handicap on October 8 is the ideal target.
“Yeah I’d say (it will line up in the Toorak),” Maher said. “In two minds whether he runs a strong mile. He’s still on the way up, still improving and it’s a good time to test it out and see if he can.”
Voodoo Lad was strong in second and suggested a major win could be on the cards this spring. The Darren Weir-trained gelding came from well off the pace and pushed Bon Aurum hard down the Caulfield straight.
Fast ‘n’ Rocking was gallant in third position and indicated its best form could still be ahead of it whilst race-favourite Counterattack continued its poor second-up form after getting a good run in transit.