Ironclad to live up to name for Clarken in Van Heemst Stakes
Despite being happy with Ironclad’s consistent preparation so far, South Australian trainer Will Clarken just wants a win.
And he believes his gifted stayer can give him that in the $250,000 Ted Van Heemst Stakes over 2100m at Group 2 level at Ascot on Saturday.
The veteran seven-year-old always gives his best, as this preparation and his career have proven.
The gelding ran a respectable second to Amelia’s Jewel last start in the Group 1 Northerly Stakes over 1800m on December 3, beating Saturday’s $2.50 favourite Steinem to the line by half a length.
He also finished third in the Linlithgow Stakes at Flemington on October 29, and fourth in the Cranbourne Cup over a mile a fortnight later.
With his 12th in the Railway Stakes a rare exception, Ironclad is usually there or thereabouts at the finishing post.
His seven wins from 22 starts – with almost $640,000 in career earnings – proves this.
Clarken is happy with how Ironclad has embraced stepping up over increased distances this campaign.
“Without winning a race, he’s won about $400,000 this prep. So he’s done a good job,” Clarken told HorseBetting.com.au.
“He’s hard in the market for the Perth Cup (on New Year’s Day), but one run at a time.”
The Morphettville trainer was thrilled with his stayer’s effort to finish runner-up to $2.90 favourite Amelia’s Jewel in the $1.5 million Northerly Stakes.
Brad Rawiller will again be aboard the $3.30 winning chance with bookmakers from barrier two in Perth on Saturday.
“Fantastic. Beautiful ride. We got the race right, got to the front and showed a bit of courage and it paid off,” Clarken said.
“We got a huge payday for that. He’s come through it well. (After Saturday) we’ll analyse where he goes from there.
“He’s one of our better horses.”